ThoughtSeeds: Recent Episodes
Amy Ennyl
God's Word is full of "seeds" to help us grow in our Christian walk. Join me as we grow together in Christ, and become a blessing to those around us.
New episodes every Tues/Wed/Thurs
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Ray Overholt, a profanity-slinging heavy drinker singing professionally in nightclubs in the 1950s, was impressed in his spirit to write a song about Jesus. He picked up a Bible and looked for something to catch his eye. What caught his attention was the scene of Jesus' arrest in the garden at night, where He told Peter to put away his sword, and that He could have called 12 legions of angels to His aid if He wanted to. Ray began to write. He wrote a full hymn about the scenes leading up to Jesus' death on the cross and sent it off to be published. It wasn't until he was singing his own song as a guest singer in a church that he actually received Christ as his own Savior. Join me today to learn more about this hymn and how it transformed the life of the man who wrote it.
- https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/called-ten-thousand-angels/#.YoW64djMJPY
Jesus Christ is the King of Kings, and He has all authority over all things. He's chosen to impart some of His authority to us. What does that mean? What responsibilities come with that authority? Join me today for a look at Scriptures about our role using God's authority.
- https://ca.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/the-role-of-an-ambassador/
Because Jesus is the Ultimate Authority, even the seasons change because He deemed it so. Demons are compelled to obey Him. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess -- from people to angels to demons to Satan himself -- that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Amid the storms of strife and unrest in our world right now, you can rest, secure and sure in the shelter of God's arms. Dottie Rambo gifted us with this beautiful song, and it continues to encourage, assure, and inspire.
- https://www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2016/02/26/story-behind-song-sheltered-arms-god/16316471007/
Isaiah 40:11 tells us that the Lord is like a shepherd, gathering the lambs in His arms to hold them close. There are other Scriptures that talk about God holding us close, and the comfort and reassurance that provides is beyond measure.
- https://www.mountainwings.com/past/7219.htm
God says He holds us in the palms of His hands -- that we're engraved there. He promises that nothing will snatch us from His hands, and even if we try to run from Him to the depths of the sea or to the pits of hell, His right hand is holding us, even there.
In 1956, Mosie Lister reflected on the habit instilled in him during his childhood -- the habit of prayer. And he started thinking about how many other people around him likely had had a similar experience, but perhaps no longer talked with God. He started writing down questions, and in 10 minutes, he'd written the lyrics to this hymn. How long HAS it been since you talked with the Lord?
- http://sghistory.com/index.php?n=M.MosieLister
- https://www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2016/01/15/story-behind-song-how-long-has-it-been/16320820007/
How do wisdom, insight, and knowledge work in symmetry, and what's different about them? How did God design this three-fold system to help us thrive and flourish in life?
In Proverbs 4:7, Solomon instructs his son to "Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight." Whatever you get -- get insight. What is insight? Why is it so important? In Proverbs 2, we're told to call out for insight, and to search for it like silver and hidden treasure. If we truly did that, what would change in our lives?
- https://www.etymonline.com/word/insight#etymonline_v_9330
You're ready, you're all set, and -- wait! Before you hit GO, come on in and learn more about how to run your challenge through each day.
Register here for the Enlarge Your Territory 5-Day FREE Challenge!
https://enlargeyourterritorychallenge.com/challenge-registration
We're almost to the end of our special edition series! Today, we talked about how to launch and run a challenge. From a zero-$ budget to a huge budget, you can do it! If you have no extra $$, you probably have a smart phone or a computer. All you need now is a Facebook account. Want to know more about how this can work? Come on in and find out!
Link to the Enlarge Your Territory 5-Day FREE Challenge!
https://enlargeyourterritorychallenge.com/challenge-registration
Link to ClickFunnels
https://bit.ly/3F8AvWr
After the tragic loss of his young nephew, Don Moen wrote this simple song for his sister-in-law and her husband, from inspiration God gave him on the plane ride to the funeral. From Isaiah 43:19, he drew "God will make a way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see -- He will make a way for me."
Don Moen singing "God Will Make a Way" https://youtu.be/1zo3fJYtS-o
- https://www.crosswalk.com/church/worship/song-story-god-will-make-a-way.html
What's in a name? When it comes to naming your challenge, a LOT! Come on in and learn more about the different ways to choose a name for your challenge and what components are essential in a challenge name.
When the king of Syria wanted to capture the prophet Elisha, he sent an army to surround the city Elisha was in. When Elisha's servant woke up the next morning to see masses of horses, chariots, and soldiers, he was very afraid. Elisha assured him that "those are who with us are more than those who are with them," and he prayed that God would open the eyes of his servant. The Lord answered Elisha's prayer and Elisha's servant saw the horses and chariots of fire outnumbering the Syrian army. What do you need God to open your eyes to? What overwhelming victory do you need fresh eyes to see?
How can you add value to your Who before the challenge even starts? What would enhance their experience and sow into them? Consider offering something smaller when they register that doesn't compete with what you're offering at the end. Come on in to today's episode to hear more about that works, why it works, and how it can work for you.
No matter what obstacles we face, no matter what we encounter in life and in the world around us, we are never separated from the love of Jesus Christ. In fact, we are given overwhelming victory because of His love.
FREE vs PAID -- which type of challenge will work best for you and the people you're serving? What's the difference? Is there any in-between?
What does your Who's internal narrative sound like? What are they telling themselves on repeat and believing? What in that narrative needs to change, and how can you be the one to help that happen?
How does a challenge help a person take action? Why is this important? Because action in the direction of the change you want is victory. Successive victories, one after the other, bring change.
If I say "hard challenge vs soft challenge," what comes to mind? If it's jawbreakers vs gummy bears, that's the wrong kind of challenge! Come on in and learn more about what this "hard vs soft" business is all about.
How many days should a challenge last? How long should you be teaching each day? How on earth will you come up with enough content? Or on the flip side, how on earth will you ever fit all your content into that amount of time?! Come on in and find out some of those strategies.
Many people are familiar with the story of how "It Is Well With My Soul" came to be written. Horatio Spafford, after losing his young son to pneumonia, and nearly all of his business and possessions in the Great Fire of Chicago in the same year, was able to recover somewhat financially in the next few years, enough to make a family trip to Europe to join the revival meetings of Dwight L. Moody. Detained by business, he sent his wife and four daughters on the journey, planning to follow them a few days later. The ship his family was on sank catastrophically, and his four daughters were lost. As he sailed to join his wife in England, he passed over the spot where the ship carrying his daughters had sunk. He wrote the lyrics to this hymn during that voyage.
- https://www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2014/10/17/story-behind-song-it-well-my-soul/985525007/
How can you anticipate problems and obstacles the people you're serving are likely to encounter -- or even place in their own way! -- and remove them? How does that help to serve them?
What are some examples of a "hard day" that various people in the Scriptures experienced? From the hard days that the young Hebrew captives went through as they were marched to Babylon as slaves for King Nebuchadnezzar to the hard days the Apostle Paul lived through, there is a whole gamut to draw from. Jesus experienced the ultimate "hard day" as He prepared Himself to go to the cross, and then allowed Himself to be crucified in our place. Through all of those hard days, God was with each person. He promises to walk with you, too.
How do you sell someone what they want while giving them what they need? What does that even mean? Broadly, it means when you do this, you're serving at one of the highest levels.
Ever had a hard day? Maybe sometimes, you say something like, "Man, that was a rough day." Or "Today was really a difficult day." What you really mean can run the gamut from a hard day of physical labor where you had some unexpected challenges pop up, to a rough day emotionally "just because," to a tragedy or a traumatic event happening. The spectrum is pretty wide for "having a hard day." No matter where your "hard day" falls on that spectrum, God is there with you. He is your portion forever, the One Who never fails you.
How can the specific subject of your challenge directly point and lead people right to the even bigger value to them at the end of your challenge -- what you're offering?
There are multiple reasons you could launch and run a challenge -- and $$ aren't always the main one! What reason do you have?
Every person is wired on a very basic level to avoid pain and to seek pleasure. Sometimes, we lean in toward one over the other. How do you know and understand which matters most for your "Who?"
Who are you being called to serve? How do you find out exactly who it is, and why is it important?
Nearly crippled from her own struggles with arthritis, Jennie Hussey was the primary caretaker of her invalid sister for many years. Though she grew up in a many-generations Quaker family, she chose to identify with the Baptists later in life, asking to be baptized so everyone would know that she loved Jesus. The words of this achingly beautiful hymn remind us to never forget what Jesus has done for us.
- http://follow-jesus-camp.blogspot.com/2016/03/hope-everyone-is-having-blessed.html
As we learn more about challenges, today we discussed how challenges can solve problems, and how to determine who you're solving a problem for.
During His final Passover supper with His disciples, Jesus tells them to remember His broken body whenever they eat the Passover bread, and He tells them something they don't yet understand that night -- that the cup of wine represents a new covenant in His blood, and they should remember it every time they drink the cup of Passover wine. Why did Jesus emphasize to remember His sacrifice?
Join me today and every Mon-Sat for the next three weeks for special edition episodes where we learn more about what God's been teaching me and calling me to share.
God tells us over and over in His Word to "remember Me." Across the Old Testament and the New, we're reminded repeatedly to not forget the things God has done for us, to remember what He's told us to do, and remember Who He is. Why is this so important? What does it mean to remember?
- https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=remember
Join me today and every Mon-Sat for the next three weeks for special edition episodes where we learn more about what God's been teaching me and calling me to share.
On the first anniversary of his conversion, which happened to be Pentecost Sunday in 1739, Charles Wesley penned this outstanding hymn. In fact, penning a hymn on his conversion anniversary was something he made a tradition for years afterward. The title is said to come from something Wesley heard his spiritual mentor say. Moravian missionary Peter Bohler was reported to have said "Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise Him with them all!"
- https://reasonabletheology.org/hymn-story-o-for-a-thousand-tongues-to-sing/
- https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-o-for-a-thousand-tongues-to-sing
- https://hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com/2008/09/26/quoto-for-a-thousand-tongues-to-singquot/
Ephesians 2:10 tells us we are God's masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. What are those good things He planned for us to do?
Ephesians 2:10 tells us we are God's masterpiece (or His workmanship). What does it mean to be a masterpiece? Why is it important to understand why God would call us this?
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masterpiece
- https://www.ucityguides.com/cities/top-10-must-see-famous-works-of-art.html
- https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/famous-classical-music-tunes/
Sitting in a prayer meeting one evening, Adalaide Pollard was heavily discouraged. She'd spent years evangelizing, and then preparing to go to the mission field of Africa at age 40. Forced to cancel her voyage to Africa at the last minute when funding fell through, she attended that prayer meeting, unsure of what God had for her future. An elderly woman spoke a prayer aloud, saying "It's all right Lord! It doesn't matter what you bring into our lives. Just have your own way with us." From that simple, straightforward prayer, Adalaide was inspired to pen this hymn, "Have Thine Own Way, Lord."
- https://hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com/2008/06/11/quothave-thine-own-way-lordquot/
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus gives us some insight into various things that are lacking from good soil, and also what we need to have rich, fertile soil. Since He's comparing our hearts to soil, today, we look at what the soil of our heart needs in order to have an abundant harvest from the seed of God's Word being sown into us.
In Matthew 13, Jesus shares a parable we know as the Parable of the Sower. Four different types of soil are described, and the outcome of the seed that was planted in each one. The soils in the parable represent our hearts, and the seeds represent the Word of God. What kind of soil is the Word of God being planted in when it's sown into your heart?
From a soul-searching session at a piano, Marty Nystrom was given this beautiful song of worship after seeing a Bible open to Psalm 42 nearby. Does your soul long for Jesus the way a thirsty deer longs for fresh water?
- https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-as-the-deer
- https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/meaning-of-apple-of-my-eye-in-the-bible.html
Stubbornness, by definition, is "unreasonably or perversely unyielding." To yield is to give up a claim or possession and to surrender control. Like the clay in the hands of a potter, we are the clay in the Master Potter's hands. Will we be stubborn and refuse to be shaped according to His will? Or will we yield to Him, trusting that He knows how to shape us into a vessel of great beauty?
God calls stubbornness disobedience, and says that when we are stubborn and refuse to turn from our sin, we're facing punishment from Him. Like a stubborn horse refusing to be bridled, or a stubborn toddler who won't let you dress them, we dig in our heels and insist on our own way. How can we change that? How can we live "in the true Vine," Jesus?
In the 1750s, Robert Robinson was a teenaged rebel, living as far away from his Christian upbringing as possible. He led a gang of young men into a revival meeting led by George Whitefield for the sole purpose of heckling and making fun of the entire affair. Instead, he was sobered and white-faced by the words of the great man of God. After surrendering to the Christ he'd been mocking and running from, he became a pastor himself, truly gifted at speaking and preaching. Several years after that all-important revival meeting, he penned the words to "Come, Thou Fount." Join me as we learn more about the life of Robert Robinson, and the rich gift he left us in this hymn.
- https://truthandtidings.com/2016/03/our-heritage-come-thou-fount/
- https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuning_fork
- https://charlielewis.net/author/admin/page/3/
Did you know that one of the definitions of "idol" is "a visible appearance without substance?" It's easy for us to see how that applies to a carving or statue, but how does it apply to other things that God equates with idolatry? Things like stubbornness, greed, sexual immorality, and more. Join me to dig deeper in our study of God's commands against idolatry.
In Exodus chapter 20, we find the Ten Commandments -- God's "Big Ten" in His instruction Book for life. The very first one is "You shall have no other gods before Me." What does that mean for you personally? Do you have any idols in your life? Come on in and let's talk about it together.
In the book of Numbers, we read about Moses sending out twelve men to check out -- to spy -- the land of Canaan. This was the Promised Land -- the land God had promised to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob over 400 years earlier. The twelve men brought back a wonderful report. Well, mostly. Ten of the men insisted that the giants in that land would kill all of them and their children, and there was no way they could defeat the people who lived there. This set the people into an uproar and they let loose with fearful crying, angry accusations, and tried to start a mutiny. They even tried to stone Joshua and Caleb -- the two men who insisted that with God, they could be victorious in Canaan. God was furious and asked Moses how long His own people would treat Him with contempt. "Will they never believe Me?"
How serious is unbelief to God? What kind of consequences are there in our lives when we choose to stay put in fear instead of walking forward in faith? How different would your life be if you believed God instead of believing the voice of fear? Come on in and join the discussion!
Jesus tells us multiple times to ask anything in His Name, and He will do it. Do we really believe that? And if we don't, why not? Does He mean if we ask Him to let us win the lottery, it'll happen? What DOES He mean? Join me to talk about believing God and how we can believe and trust Him to follow through.
- https://godrunning.com/2018/11/03/ask-anything-in-my-name-i-will-do-it/
At a series of revival meetings, a soloist was singing each night and then leaving before the preaching started. William Kirkpatrick, a minister and song-composer, was troubled by this and began praying for the young man. God led him to compose and write a hymn for the soloist to sing. That evening, he handed the soloist the music and the words, and the man sang them. Instead of leaving, as had been his custom, he stayed and listened to the preaching. At the end of the service, he was one of the first people to respond to the Gospel invitation. That hymn, written for that soloist, has touched many lives since then. Come on in and learn more about William Kirkpatrick and his hymn, "Lord, I'm Coming Home."
- https://hymnary.org/person/Kirkpatrick_William
- http://nickel-notes.blogspot.com/2012/03/hymn-history-lord-im-coming-home.html
- https://hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com/2008/09/12/quotlord-i039m-coming-homequot/
We're back in Luke 15, in the parable of the Prodigal Son, as we look at how the father in this story showed love to his son. How can we show love to a prodigal, both in the time they're living apart from God, and when they're restored? How do we love them through that entire process and continue to walk in integrity and faith in our lives? Look with me at the Heavenly Father to follow His example as we study His Word to learn more about this.
- https://www.biola.edu/blogs/biola-magazine/2010/the-prodigal-sons-father-shouldnt-have-run
- https://www.ncregister.com/blog/12-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-prodigal-son
In the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, the younger son demands his father give him his share of the inheritance. His father quietly does so. How does this show love to a son who's about to go shame his father, his family, and himself through his "riotous and reckless living?" Join me to learn more about loving a prodigal and what we can learn from this well-known teaching from Jesus Himself.
From Elisha Hoffman, author and composer of well-known hymns like "Down at the Cross" and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" comes "Are You Washed in the Blood?" The Salvation Army band loved it so much that the words "Are you washed in the blood?" were incorporated multiple times into a poem commemorating William Booth, Salvation Army's founder.
Interesting history tidbits aside, this upbeat hymn is also serious and thought-provoking, asking vital questions of the one singing. Indeed, there is no other more important question that needs to be answered: Are YOU washed in the blood of the Lamb?
https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/are-you-washed-in-the-blood/#.Yg3RN4TMJPY
In Psalm 23, we're given a perfect word picture of our Shepherd -- the great I AM Himself. From providing for our every need to leading us through the valley of the shadow of death, we are kept on the paths of righteousness when we follow Him. Find out more about how this Shepherd and sheep analogy works for us in guiding us on the path of righteousness.
https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2018/08/he-leads-me-in-paths-of-righteousness-for-his-names-sake/
Proverbs 4:18-19 give us insight into the contrast between walking in the path of righteousness and walking in the way of darkness. One is lit up like the rising sun, getting brighter and brighter. The other is so dark, you don't even know what you're stumbling over. Which one are you on? Join me as we learn more about what God says about walking in His paths of righteousness.
Originally written as a song for children in Sunday School, William O. Cushing's hymn, "When He Cometh," went around the world, sung by believers everywhere.
As believers in Jesus Christ -- God's children -- He calls us jewels in His crown. Find out more about what that means, as we study this beautiful and simple hymn, rich with treasures from God's Word.
- http://barryshymns.blogspot.com/2017/08/when-he-cometh-jewels.html
Precious gems -- jewels. God calls us the jewels in His crown. He says we are precious, and we shine like jewels. Why are gems so important to God? Did you know they're mentioned over 1,700 times in the Bible? Come on a study journey with me as we learn more about God's heart for us and the beauty of gems He created for His glory.
- https://sermons.faithlife.com/sermons/124750-the-jewels-of-heaven
- https://www.gemrockauctions.com/learn/technical-information-on-gemstones/how-do-gemstones-form
Across the Old and New Testaments, we see precious gems mentioned multiple times. Where there are stunning lists of various jewels, they are attached to vitally significant items in God's eyes. Why? Let's study gems this week, and why God says they're important.
From a pastor's son in the UK and an Irish musician, we have perhaps the best-loved hymn in the 21st century. Stuart Townend and Keith Getty brought their God-breathed talents together in this powerful anthem about the life, death, resurrection and power of Jesus Christ. In Christ alone, my hope is found. Join me to learn more about this hymn, rich with truths about our Savior.
- https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/history-of-hymns-in-christ-alone-my-hope-is-found
How can humility bring us wisdom? How do pride and arrogance bring us to disgrace? What are ways we can live humbly with others in wisdom and grace instead of haughty presumptions? Come on in to the second part of our study on humility.
What does it mean to be humble? Why does God seem to require it of us? How can we achieve the humility He says He honors? Join me for an in-depth discussion on Godly humility.
In 1943, in all the tragedy, horror, and seemingly endless casualties, Ruth Caye Jones looked to the Word of God. As she did, words to a song came to her, and she started writing them down. A melody followed. That short, simple hymn went around the world and it still applies today: "In times like these, we need a Savior; In times like these, we need an Anchor." Join me to learn more about Ruth Jones and study the truths that still ring out for us today.
https://thescottspot.wordpress.com/2016/09/05/in-times-like-these-written-in-1943/
"Wise people are builders -- they build families, businesses, communities . . ." (Prov. 24:3a TPT)
How can we use the wisdom of God, and the intelligence and insight He gives us, to build up businesses for His glory and His kingdom? How can we build up communities? First, we build on the solid Rock Himself, Jesus Christ. Join me to talk this out and learn more about what God has called each one of us to do as builders.
In Proverbs, we read and learn a lot about wisdom being how the earth was founded, and that wisdom is how God fashioned creation through wisdom. In Proverbs 24, we learn that a house is built through wisdom. Another version of the Bible says "Wise people are builders . . ." And we find out that the word used for build or builders means to build up, to obtain children, to set up, to establish. Today, we're talking about what it means to be a builder of family. If you have no children, don't run away from this one! Jump on in to see how this also applies to you.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wisdom
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/build
Psalm 68:6 (God sets the solitary in families . . .)
A different kind of episode today -- one where I share from my heart with no notes in front of me or anything prepared. Just me, you, and God. What does integrity mean to and for me?
In Proverbs, we read a lot about a person of integrity. What does integrity mean? How can we live with integrity? Join me to learn more about this vital piece of walking with God every day in our lives.
The talents in the Parable of the Talents were physical money -- lots of it. How well did each servant manage what they were given? How well do you manage the gifts and talents you've been given by the King? Come on in to today's study and discussion and learn more about the ways God has gifted us.
https://spiritualgiftstest.com
In the Parable of the Talents, we meet four different characters: The master and each of the three servants that he entrusts with a large sum of wealth to manage before he departs on an extended journey. What does each man do with that trust and responsibility? Join me as we discuss it and learn more about our role in the Kingdom of God.
https://www.grandrapidscoins.com/blogs/entry/how-much-was-a-biblical-talent-worth
“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” This verse in 1 Timothy 1:7 is the inspiration for the title and opening line of the hymn of adoration "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise," by William Chalmers Smith. Join me to learn more about how this hymn came to be and the richness of theology and doctrine bursting from every line.
- Morgan, Robert J., Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition, W Publishing © 2010, pg 265
- https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-immortal-invisible-god-only-wise
- https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/immortal-invisible
- https://hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com/2008/07/17/quotimmortal-invisible-god-only-wisequot/
As we look further at wisdom, we dig into Isaiah 11:1-2. The Messiah would be given a Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD. What does a "Spirit of wisdom" mean and how does it apply to us? Join me as we study God's Word and see what wisdom it has to offer us.
As a young king, Solomon responded to God's offer to "Ask Me for anything" by pleading for wisdom and discernment, in order to be able to govern the people. God gave him what he asked for, along with a whole lot more. Join me as we learn more about the wisest man ever.
Writing songs from early childhood, Haldor Lillenas had no idea he'd become a renowned preacher, evangelist, and songwriter. Gifting us with such great hymns as "The Bible Stands" and "Wonderful Grace of Jesus," he also supplied us with this upbeat Gospel hymn packed with theology and truth. During this Christmas week, we've been looking at the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, and this song pulls directly from it. Join me to learn more about Haldor Lillenas and "Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus Is To Me."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haldor_Lillenas
https://hymnary.org/person/Lillenas_Haldor
https://hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/07/quotwonderful-wonderful-jesus-is-to-mequot/
In Isaiah 9:6, we see that one of the Names of the Messiah will be "Counselor." How does that fit in with names like "Wonderful" and "The Mighty God?" How is God our Counselor? Join me as we learn more about Jesus as Counselor, Living Word, and Messiah.
In the book of Isaiah, we find a prophecy concerning the Messiah. We're told He'd be born as a Child, the Son of God, and a list of names is given. The first one is "Wonderful." That word means more than what we think at first glance and thought. Join me as we learn more about how Jesus embodies the meaning of this Name.
https://youtu.be/ouZcI1IZNMo
Only a year before his death in a tragic train accident, Philip P Bliss composed and wrote this anthem of glory and praise to Jesus -- "Hallelujah, What a Savior!"
What kept Philip Bliss coming back to the well of inspiration at the cross of Jesus Christ? He lived and preached Jesus Christ above all else, and that is where his many hymns point us -- to Christ. Join me as we study more about this particular hymn of his, and let's lift praise together -- "Hallelujah, What a Savior!"
http://songscoops.blogspot.com/2012/09/hallelujah-what-savior-philip-p-bliss.html
http://www.believersmagazine.com/bm.php?i=20150503
https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/man-of-sorrows/#.YbGBZyrMJPY
As we run this race here on earth, journeying home to heaven, we're told to fix our eyes -- to look unto Jesus -- the Author and Finisher of our faith. What does that mean for us, that He's the Author and Finisher of our faith?
https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/archives/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Hbr/Hbr_12.cfm
In Isaiah 53, we learn about Jesus as a suffering servant. In verse 3, He's identified as the "Man of Sorrows," and we learn that He is acquainted with grief. What importance and impact does that have on you and on me, in our daily lives?
After losing his father at age 12, Knowles Shaw worked hard to help support his family in rural Indiana, including playing the violin his father gave him at community events and dance parties for extra money. Some years after his father's death, he thought of what his father had told him before he died: "Be good to your mother, and prepare to meet your God." He'd been good to his mother, but he was not prepared to meet his God. Right in the middle of the rowdy dance party he was providing music for, he laid down his violin, prayed for forgiveness, and received Christ as his Savior.
That young man became a prolific singing evangelist, bringing in a reported 11,000 souls for the kingdom of God before his death in a train accident at age 43. Join me as we learn more about Knowles Shaw, his life, and this well-known, well-loved hymn he wrote that expresses his life work so well.
http://drhamrick.blogspot.com/2011/06/bringing-in-sheaves.html
https://thescottspot.wordpress.com/2016/04/14/bringing-in-the-sheaves-written-in-1874/
https://hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/quotbringing-in-the-sheavesquot/
In Galatians 6:9, we're told to not grow weary in doing good, but that in due season, we will reap, if we do not give up. That's being consistent -- not giving up. Not growing weary in doing good, even if we can't see the fruit of our labors for a long time. Join me as we talk more about reaping a harvest as we remain consistent in walking and serving and praying where God calls us.
Consistent. There are times we all struggle with this in our lives. God calls us to be consistent in our daily habits, in our beliefs, and in how we live out our faith. Daniel is a worthy example of this in Scripture, and his life of consistency is one we can learn from. Join me as we study Daniel and how and why we can and should be consistent, too.
The careful crafting of hymns by today's hymnwriters at CityAlight blessed us with this rich, beautiful anthem, "Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me." Join me to learn more about how this song came to be and the great importance of the message it contains.
https://www.challies.com/interviews/get-to-know-cityalight-and-their-new-album/
When we are drained of all resources -- whether physical, emotional, mental, spiritual -- our God is more than enough to meet all our needs. Like the weary disciples who only wanted rest, but encountered the clamoring crowds yet again, needing nourishment for their souls and nourishment for their bellies, God steps in and exceeds our every expectation. Join me as we dig deep into God's Word about the "more than" nature of our God.
https://www.revival.com/a/225-the-god-who-is-more-than-enough
Enough. Whether we feel like we've had enough of the pressures and stresses of life, or it seems like there's not enough of things we need, it's a weighty topic. Enough means "equal to what is needed."
Join me as we talk about how God is our "Enough" in so many ways.
Words hastily scribbled down on the back of an envelope at a post office in New Zealand in 1936, inspired by a traditional Maori farewell tune, became the much-loved hymn, "Search Me, O God." Young evangelist J. Edwin Orr, a passion for Jesus burning in him after the incredible revival he'd just taken part in, wrote the song in those few minutes, leaving a rich prayerful hymn for the generations to come. Join me as we learn more about J. Edwin Orr, his life, and the hymn that left his name in the history books.
https://believersportal.com/story-behind-search-me-hymn/
https://thescottspot.wordpress.com/2016/08/26/search-me-o-god-written-in-1936/
http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/s/e/a/r/searchme.htm
Samuel was a young boy when God called out to him in the night. Three times, God called his name, and three times Samuel responded by getting out of bed and obediently going to Eli, the priest he served who was raising him. Finally, Eli realized that the Lord was speaking to Samuel and instructed Samuel to say "Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening." Samuel did this, and God spoke to Samuel, in what would become a lifelong relationship.
Do we listen like Samuel? Are we ready to hear from God? Psalm 85:8 says "Let me hear what God the LORD will speak." Join me as we talk more about listening to God and hearing His voice.
Sometimes, it seems like God isn't listening at all when we're talking to Him. Does He even care? Yes! Proverbs 15:8 tells us that God delights in the prayers of the upright. At the same time, there are blocks we can put in our way between us and God, primarily unconfessed sin. Join me to talk more about God listening to us.
In 1866, Reverend John Bode wrote a hymn to teach to his daughter and two sons as they prepared for confirmation in the church. Part of what he told them that day was "I have written a hymn containing all the important truths I want you to remember when you are finally confirmed." Join me to learn more about Reverend Bode, and to study and sing this hymn together.
https://hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/quoto-jesus-i-have-promisedquot/
Johnson, Guye, Treasury of Great Hymns and their stories; Bob Jones University Press; © 1986, pg 243-245.
We're told to put on the whole armor of God, so that we can stand firm against the evil plans of our enemy, Satan. And we're told to persevere in praying and standing firm. The devil is a roaring lion, prowling around looking for someone to devour. If you knew a real live angry and hungry lion was stalking you every day, pouncing at every turn, jaws open wide, would you persevere in being ready, body armor on and a stout weapon ready? Of course you would! God is calling you to persevere in that same way against your actual enemy, Satan, who in truth, is far more deadly and dangerous than a physical lion. Join me today as we talk more about persevering.
Galatians 6:9 tells us to keep doing what is good and not lose heart, but persevere. That can sound easy and even encouraging, but it can be so difficult to persevere! We can only accomplish any of this with God's strength and His help. Join me as we learn more about persevering with God's leading, guiding, and loving care.
Jesus has authority over Satan and his demons, and they recognize Him and His authority. They are compelled to obey Him. Jesus grants this authority to us, as well, but it is not in our own strength that we can accomplish anything. It is only through Him and His authority -- His great strength and power -- that we are successful.
Did you know that the word 'author' is the root of the word 'authority?' Did you know that originally, one of the meanings of the word authority was "a passage of Scripture?" Jesus claimed to have all authority in heaven and on earth. What does that mean for us? Join me as we learn more about authority and what Jesus' authority looks like in our lives.
https://www.etymonline.com/word/authority#etymonline_v_18966
https://www.etymonline.com/word/author?ref=etymonline_crossreference#etymonline_v_18965
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authority
After losing his wife to a prolonged illness, Reverend William Orcutt Cushing was soon after stricken with a creeping paralysis that left him unable to continue his ministry work. He asked God to still find a way to use him in some way, and in answer, God gave William Cushing hymns to write -- over 300 of them, in fact. One of them was "Follow On." Join me today to learn more about this hymn and the man who wrote it.
https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bcushing.html
https://wordwisehymns.com/2010/11/17/today-in-1911-flora-cassel-died/
Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John by saying "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." These fishermen got up from their nets and their boats and they followed.
What is Jesus calling YOU to? What will your response be? Join me as we learn more about that today.
God says to follow Him -- to follow His ways, His commandments, His steps. He says "Hold fast to Me." What does it mean to follow the Lord our God, and how can we do that? Join me as we explore that in His Word today.
A nearly empty jelly dish sparked a thought in hymnist Grant Tullar, sending him off to the piano to write words and music to a hymn. The hymn didn't go over as well as he'd hoped at the evangelistic meeting he was part of that evening, and he resolved to revise it. The next morning, he received a packet of poems from Mrs. Carrie Breck, who often sent her many poems to hymn composers. In it, he found "Face to Face With Christ My Savior," and he realized it fit perfectly with the music he'd written the night before. Join me to learn more about this beautiful and uplifting hymn, and about meeting Jesus face to face.
https://believersportal.com/story-behind-face-to-face-hymn/
https://www.addeigloriam.org/blog/2013/face-to-face.htm
http://witandwisdom.org/archive/20070829.htm
In Exodus, we read that God would come and talk to Moses "face to face," like Someone talking to a friend. We can also have that face-to-face time, talking with God in that personal and intimate way.
What does it mean to have a face-to-face encounter with someone? What would it mean to you if that Someone was God Himself? Join me as we talk about Jacob wrestling with God through an entire night, and then realizing it was God. He saw God face to face. What happened during that time?
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/will-you-wrestle-with-god
https://news.stanford.edu/news/2012/december/infants-process-faces-121112.html
From the street corners of London where William Booth first began evangelizing to Stockholm, Sweden, where a young man's heart was turned from mocking scorn to repentance and salvation, the Salvation Army has had a part in countless souls won for Christ. August Ludvig Storm spent the rest of his life in the service of Jesus through the Salvation Army after his conversion at age 25, and he penned this poem for their publication "The War Cry." It was set to music and later translated into English, gifting us with the hymn we have today, "Thanks to God For My Redeemer."
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/history-of-the-salvation-army/
https://www.dagen.no/Ord-for-dagen/Hjertets_d%C3%B8r_%C3%A5pen_p%C3%A5_vidt_gap_for_Jesus%C2%A0-44292
https://barryshymns.blogspot.com/2017/11/thanks-to-god.html?m=1
"Giving thanks always and for everything . . ." Ephesians 5:20 gives us yet another reminder and command about being thankful in all circumstances. Can we really accomplish this? There are multiple Scriptures that give us hope in this! Join me as we discuss 2nd-century martyrs who gave thanks to God before they were executed, and what exactly they might have been giving Him thanks for.
http://www.shepherd.to/Persecution/martyr/early-church/twelve-martyrs.htm
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we're told to give thanks in "all circumstances." All? How do we do that? Join me as we learn about God's faithfulness and provision, as He teaches us to give thanks to Him in ALL circumstances.
https://harvestministry.org/muller
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/george-muellers-strategy-for-showing-god
Daily, God sends blessings to us. Like the chorus of this song says, "Mercy drops 'round us are falling, but for the showers we plead." Are you asking God to shower you with blessings? Just like a much-needed rainstorm refreshes everything around it, so does a shower of blessings from heaven refresh our souls and revive our spirits. Join me to learn more about this beautiful hymn and how it came to be.
https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/there-shall-be-showers-of-blessings/#.YOi0MXDPxPY
Morgan, Robert J., Then Sings my Soul: Special Edition, W Publishing © 2010, pg 271
http://jobuestmusik.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-story-behinde-hymn-there-shall-be.html
Rain -- too little of it is just as problematic as too much. Drought can be devastating, just like flooding, but in a slower fashion. Are you in a season of spiritual drought? What will bring the rain to refresh you? Join me as we talk about spiritual drought and how God uses it in our lives.
Rain. Too much causes flooding and great damage. Too little means not enough water to drink and sometimes, not enough food because of the lack of water. It's important in both extremes. God created rain, and He compares it to Himself and to His Word, the Bible. Join me as we study rain this week.
https://scijinks.gov/rain/
https://www.livescience.com/37648-good-smells-rain-petrichor.html
I'm taking the month of June away from ThoughtSeeds Podcast, and I'll see you again July 6th!
From a 1972 musical commissioned by a California church to share Jesus with the masses comes this simple song, with the precise message Jesus came to deliver: "Freely, you have received. Freely give." Join me to learn more about this song and how it came to be.
http://songscoops.blogspot.com/2015/12/freely-freely-carol-owens.html
God has given every person skills and talents -- saved and unsaved alike. How can you use those for His glory, to serve others and reach them for His kingdom? In addition, those who are saved are given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Join me as we learn more about each of these things, their purposes, and how we can use them to give back to God as we give to others.
https://www.tyndale.com/sites/unfoldingfaithblog/2019/10/01/a-quick-list-of-biblical-spiritual-gifts-which-gifts-exist-and-what-they-mean/
Scripture says God is the giver of all good things, and He gives perfect gifts. What can we learn about gifts and giving as we study the perfect Gift-Giver Himself?
Just as the Israelites were strangers in a strange land, and God guided them to their promised home, we are also pilgrims in a foreign land, on our way to our eternal home. William Williams, traveling preacher of Wales and the Father of Welsh Hymnody, wrote this much-loved hymn, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah." Join me as we learn more about Williams, his great contributions to the Kingdom of God (and to our hymnals!), and as we study this great hymn.
https://www.challies.com/articles/hymn-stories-guide-me-o-thou-great-jehovah/
The enemy likes to use distractions to divert our attentions from God's way and from His best. In Scripture, we look at several examples of both good and bad distractions, and the ways that practicing self-control helps us. We also see how continuing on from our failures builds our faith. Join me as we study Martha, Nehemiah, Peter, and more today.
https://haroldherring.com/blogs/harolds-blogs/richthoughts/1084-avoid-these-7-distractions-to-your-focus
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/lord-deliver-me-from-distraction
Are you like me -- do you get distracted easily? It's something I struggle with, and with God's help, I've gotten better about not being pulled too far off the path by them, but it still happens. Join me today as we talk about what the Bible says about it, and how to obey the command in Proverbs 4 to not get sidetracked!
Though a teaching career she loved and enjoyed was cut short by a hot-tempered student's physical attack, Eliza Hewitt did not grow bitter. She poured out her love for Jesus into writing poems, hymns, and Sunday School material. This particular hymn, "Stepping in the Light," urges us to follow in the steps of the Savior, because His steps lead us in paths of light. Join me as we learn more about Eliza Hewitt and "Stepping in the Light."
https://lights4god.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/eliza-hewitt-2/
https://hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com/2008/10/29/quotstepping-in-the-lightquot/
In the Old Testament, we find a "woman of valor" mentioned twice. The first is in the book of Ruth, where Boaz praises her. The second is in the acrostic poem at the end of Proverbs 31, where we learn about how to be a woman of valor -- an excellent wife, a virtuous woman. Join me as we study the ways this applies to us today.
https://avirtuouswoman.org/proverbs-31-woman-explained-for-modern-women/
Valor. What does this word mean, really? Where did it come from? Today, we learn about the origins of the word in Scripture, and it's multiple meanings. Join me as we learn more about Gideon, who God called a "mighty man of valor," even when he was scared and hiding from the enemy.
http://livingwordin3d.com/discovery/2018/03/01/the-mystery-in-chayil-the-hebrew-word-for-valor/
In 1824, the world first heard Beethoven's 9th (and final, grandest and best) Symphony. It was truly a triumph for him - - a realization of what he'd hoped and worked for. He had envisioned a supreme symphony that would combine instruments and voices, and the final movement -- the one entitled "Ode to Joy" -- finished to thunderous applause by everyone present. Beethoven -- completely deaf -- was turned around by some of the soloists so he could see the reaction of the people.
Some 80-plus years later, Henry van Dyke wrote the glorious lyrics of "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," with the express intent that they be sung to Beethoven's "Hymn of Joy." In the nearly 100 years since then, they have been sung, with this lyric/tune combination considered to be one of the most joyous expressions of hymn lyrics in the English language. Join me as we look and study more about how this hymn came to be.
http://articles.ochristian.com/article6060.shtml
https://deannawitkowski.com/hymn-tune-history-hymn-to-joy-joyful-joyful-we-adore-thee/
https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/joyful-joyful-we-adore-thee
In Nehemiah 8, the people are assembled together inside the newly rebuilt city of walls of Jerusalem. As they hear the Law of God read aloud, they become grieved and are weeping. Nehemiah tells them not to grieve, not to worry or be upset -- but to make the joy of the Lord their strength. The word strength here means "refuge, protection, stronghold, safe harbor." Can you rejoice in the Lord with a glad heart and know He is your refuge and protection?
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Are you in a season that is a night of weeping? Have you been there before, but come through on the other side of shouting for joy in the morning? Know this: God promised that morning follows night, and He promised that joy comes in the morning.
https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-30/
Hey everybody! I'll be away the podcast for the next weeks, and I'll be back with a new episode on May 11. In the meantime, check out any episodes you've missed, and have a wonderful time enjoying spring!
"His Banner Over Me is Love" is one of the many gospel choruses and hymns that Alfred B. Smith wrote and published. Join me as we learn more about how the impact Alfred Smith had lives around the world through his music ministry in the 20th century.
https://livinghymns.net/al-smith-biography/
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/greenvilleonline/obituary.aspx?n=alfred-b-smith&pid=140844976
In the Song of Solomon, the bride declares that her beloved has brought her into his banqueting house, and his banner over her is love. What does she mean, and what does that mean for us, the Church, as the Bride of Christ?
https://www.chaimbentorah.com/2015/08/word-study-but-his-banner-over-me-is-love-ודגלו-גלו-עלי-אהבה/
https://loveatthecentre.wordpress.com/tag/his-banner-over-me-is-love/
In the wilderness, the Israelites went to battle against the Amalekites. As Joshua led the army in battle, Moses went up on a nearby hill to watch. If he lifted his hands, Israel prevailed. If he lowered his hands, Amalek prevailed. His arms grew tired and heavy, so his brother and his helper each held up one of his arms for the entirety of the battle, and Israel won. In response, Moses made an altar to the Lord, calling Him "Jehovah-Nissi -- the LORD My Banner."
Join me as we discuss the importance of banners and why God chooses to be identified with them. Why do they matter for us?
https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Standard/
https://www.thoughtco.com/flags-importance-in-the-civil-war-1773716
Elisha Hoffman was born in 1839 and spent his 90-year life preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also writing and composing over 2,000 hymns. While we don't know the exact circumstances that led him to write "Is Your All on the Altar?," the words and melody deliver a rich sermon that asks us to think deeply about our commitment to our Savior. Join me as we study more about Elisha Hoffman and look at the hymn "Is Your All on the Altar?"
https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bhoffman.html
When God talks about tithing in the Bible -- and He talks about it a lot! -- He isn't just talking about money. He tells us to give Him the first tenth -- the tithe -- of EVERYTHING. What is He asking you to give? What might you be holding back? Join me to continue discussing and learning more about this concept of holding nothing back from our God.
In Exodus 22, God tells us to hold nothing back from Him in giving Him offerings, and in the Gospels, we find the account of Mary of Bethany pouring out the expensive perfume from her alabaster box onto the head and feet of Jesus, as she worshiped Him and wiped His feet with her hair. She obeyed that command from Exodus -- she held nothing back. Not her most precious material possession, her heart, her worship, her dignity. She gave it all to Jesus. Join me as we explore more into the Scriptures and discuss if we're holding anything back from God.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firstborn_(Judaism)#:~:text=The%20firstborn%20or%20firstborn%20son,to%20the%20nation%20of%20Israel.
https://gossipforjesus.com/2016/06/28/break-out-the-alabaster-box/
In Luke 9:23, Jesus tells us if we want to follow Him, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. In this hymn of consecration, Frances Ridley Havergal has gifted us with a prayer that helps us do that more fully. Join me as we learn more about her and how she came to write this particular hymn. "Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to Thee . . ."
https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/frances-havergal-wrote-take-my-life-and-let-it-be-11630571.html
https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/take-my-life-and-let-it-be
Maybe you feel like you could never be an Esther or a David or a Moses. You're just an average everyday no-name. But God calls you, too. He calls each one of us to do some of the same things, like speak for those who have no voice, preach the Gospel, and more. And He calls us each of us individually with a unique purpose. Join me as we study more about being God's special possession -- His "peculiar people."
Throughout the Word of God, we find examples of God calling people. He called them for unique and individual purposes and reasons and tasks, and He calls each of us, too. Sometimes, it's tempting to resist that call, because what He's asking us to do is maybe downright terrifying! Or maybe, like Esther, we're kind of thrust into our call with no say in the matter. Whatever it is, God has a purpose for you, and He's known you since before you were born.
As he was shaving early on Easter morning and pondering his upcoming sermon, Pastor Alfred Ackley heard another preacher on the radio proclaim that even though it was Easter, it didn't matter to him if Jesus had ever risen from the grave, or if His bones were turned to dust. What mattered was that the truth of Jesus marched on. This so appalled and angered Pastor Ackley that he preached his own sermon with great fervor and passion. That, and a recent conversation with a young Jewish man seeking answers led him to write and compose this song. Perhaps the most powerful words in the entire hymn are at the end: "You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!" Join me as we learn more about this wonderful hymn and the life of Alfred Ackley.
https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/he-lives/#.YGVCzHvPxPY
Bible scholars from all walks of faith -- from adamant agnostics to committed Christians -- agree that there is much historical evidence that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ actually did happen. What are some of those evidences? And did the apostles of Jesus make up a lie and spread it around the world, only to meet their deaths still holding fast to that lie? Join me in this episode to find out more about the historical evidence, and why those closest to Him were willing to forsake their own lives declaring that truth.
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/media/debates/is-there-historical-evidence-for-the-resurrection-of-jesus-the-craig-ehrman/
It is Passion Week right now, and as we remember each day leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, we look toward the Resurrection, when the tomb was empty. Explore with me why the Resurrection was and is absolutely vital to all of history.
William P. Mackay was an atheist doctor in Edinburgh, Scotland when he encountered Jesus. His penniless patient had died, leaving behind a Bible in his bed. As the nurse handed him the Bible, he opened it and discovered his name and a Scripture verse written in his own mother's handwriting. It was the Bible he had carelessly pawned years earlier for more money to buy liquor. That moment altered his life. He accepted Christ and become one of the most well-known and respected preachers in all of Scotland. He also wrote several hymns, the most popular among them "Revive Us Again." Join me to learn more about William Mackay and this powerful hymn.
- http://www.cobblestoneroadministry.org/2007/SermonStory_William_P_Mackay_FaithfulnessOfGod.html?fbclid=IwAR0EYITba2A-kYiuTSlmnfvYGGidq7Injeghy8sEkLnYqxwbiycnQkArqiY
- http://earnestlycontending.com/maranatha/?p=971
- http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/m/a/c/k/mackay_wp.htm?fbclid=IwAR0--y4DxlFdMtQlFoiwgnq0pekwH8gp-oSGNP5lAQoRQ46quHjMTldpRCI
- https://archive.org/stream/wp_mackay_of_hull/late%20rev%20dr%20w%20p%20mackay%20of%20hull_djvu.txt
- https://hymnary.org/person/Mackay_WP
- https://faithalone.org/grace-in-focus-articles/praise-the-lord/?fbclid=IwAR1yoibTWagcz5FXNH-ZoPm2B7daizOZCd1pEFddeelcKOIzhQHhpjM0Cfo
- https://www.etymonline.com/word/glory#etymonline_v_8969
- https://www.etymonline.com/word/praise#etymonline_v_18606
As we approach Palm Sunday -- the start of Passion Week leading us to Resurrection Day -- the Hosanna! is brought up again. It's what the people shouted in praise as Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, fulfilling prophecy from hundreds of years earlier. It's what the children sang out in the Temple as they followed on Jesus's heels into His house. What does "Hosanna" mean? Join me as we study a second important Hebrew word of praise and adoration.
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/hosanna
Hallelujah! Have you ever said that in passing? In praise? You may already know that the basic translation is "praise the LORD." What do those Hebrew words and letters really mean if we start to look deeper? Join me as we talk about the seriousness and holiness involved in raising Hallelujahs to our God, the One Who sits on the throne.
https://www.pathofobedience.com/words/what-does-hallelujah-mean/
https://hebrew.jerusalemprayerteam.org/hallelujah/
Nearly 80 years ago, Norman Clayton wrote "My Hope is in the Lord," giving us a gospel hymn filled with phrases drawn directly from Scripture, pointing us to Jesus, and yes, giving us hope. Join me as we learn more about this hymn and the man who wrote it.
http://chrisfieldblog.com/2009/01/22/norman-clayton
What is the difference between hope and faith? Hebrews 11:1 tells that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hope brings joy and anticipation to our faith. Join me as we discuss what the Bible says about how hope and faith are connected.
http://www.therebelchristian.com/blog/the-difference-between-faith-and-hope-a-christians-view892018
https://www.kcm.org/read/questions/what-the-difference-between-hope-and-faith
Hope -- we go through each day hoping for something, whether small and insignificant, important and vital, or somewhere in between. What is hope, really? It's expecting with confidence that your desire will be fulfilled. What do you hope for? What do you put your hope IN? Join me as we talk about these questions and what God has to say about it all.
"Be Thou My Vision" is a timeless hymn dating back almost 2,000 years. A blind poet, a pagan king, and a formerly kidnapped missionary all were involved in its origins. Stretching across the millenia, two women at the beginning of the twentieth century brought these beautiful lyrics through translation into English, and matched the words with their original Irish tune, "Slane." Join me today as we learn more about "Be Thou My Vision."
- https://worshipsounds.wordpress.com/tag/be-thou-my-vision/
- Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition, by Robert Morgan (Thomas Nelson, Inc. © 2003), Kindle edition, location 219-228
- https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1056&context=eml_fac_pubs&fbclid=IwAR3j4Gg9CXpYKokbo-AFkAUoIYu6o5xq0H3AYp0TX3sm5p6YtxhClyO5yi8
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wisdom
- https://www.irishamericanmom.com/irelands-round-towers/
- http://www.gaelicmatters.com/irish-round-towers.html
- https://stairnaheireann.net/2017/07/23/the-high-kings-of-ireland-2/
In this second part of our two-part chat with a special guest, she discusses her spiritual journey these past few years and what truths God has used to grow her faith and teach her to trust Him fully.
For this week, we're doing something new! Join me and my special guest as we discuss how God has worked in her life through various struggles and difficulties and led to a place of trusting Him.
From Galatians 2:20, Major Daniel Whittle crafted a beautiful, encouraging hymn that also challenges us to think about what it means that Christ lives in us. What does that phrase mean to you? "Christ liveth in me." Join me today to learn more about Major Whittle, this hymn, and what it means that Christ lives in us.
http://barryshymns.blogspot.com/2015/04/christ-liveth-in-me.html
https://wordwisehymns.com/2014/02/28/christ-liveth-in-me/
What does it mean to live a life "above reproach?" To be "blameless" in the way we conduct ourselves? Even more importantly, how can we achieve that? Join me as we dig into this important and transforming topic in God's Word.
https://www.challies.com/articles/the-character-of-the-christian-above-reproach/
Reproach. What comes to mind when you hear that word? If you've ever been chastised or condemned for something, you've faced reproach. Sometimes, we're the ones condemning ourselves, and we carry around our reproach like a badge of shame. Jesus came to remove our reproach. As far as the east is from the west, that is how far He has removed our sins from us. Join me in learning more about how God views reproach, and His promise to remove it from us.
A poem thought through on a Sunday walk home from church ended up being matched to partially unfinished music from Philip P. Bliss. John Sumner had vowed to finish that music and see it paired with lyrics to become a hymn, in tribute to his friend, Mr. Bliss, who'd died in a train accident.
The chorus tells us that with Jesus as our Savior, we're children of the King. Are you a child of the King? I hope so! Join me to learn more about this uplifting hymn.
https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/a-child-of-the-king/#.YDXbOunPxPY
Names and what they mean are important to God. There are occasions where He personally named people, and also where He changed people's names. In changing their actual public identity, He also altered the course of their lives. Join me to learn more about how God's new name for you also alters your life.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/whats-in-a-name-5-times-god-changed-a-person-s-name.html
https://www.faithgateway.com/names-reveal-value-and-meaning/#.YDXWRunPxPZ
What is your identity? How do you identify yourself for your own purposes and to others? Going further, how does God identify you? Join me as we explore some of the identities God has given us as His children.
A simple question from a believing child ("Don't you believe God will take care of Mother while you are gone?") led that mother, Civilla Martin, to pen the words to this famous hymn, "God Will Take Care of You." Later that evening, her husband sat down at his little organ and composed the melody.
Do WE believe that God will take of US? Join me as we study this hymn -- where it came from and what it means.
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-god-will-take-care-of-you
http://littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com/2015/03/hymn-story-god-will-take-care-of-you.html
https://wordwisehymns.com/2010/08/21/today-in-1866-civilla-martin-born/
https://wordwisehymns.com/2011/03/02/god-will-take-care-of-you/
What are the greatest needs you can think of? Food and water for those who are starving? Desperately needed medical care in remote regions? Those ARE tremendous needs, and we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, delivering His provision to those who need it. The greatest need of all, though, is salvation, and God the Almighty Provider did indeed provide it. Join me as we discuss these two subjects, intertwined and important.
Numerous times in the Bible, we are assured of God's provision, and His role as our provider. Even the very air we breathe to stay alive is supplied by Him. Can we trust God for our basic needs, like air, water, food, and shelter? Can we trust Him for other needs beyond that? Philippians 4:19 tells us that God will supply our every need, according to the riches in glory of Jesus Christ. Do you believe that? Join me today as we start this week's discussion and study about God as our Provider.
https://www.etymonline.com/word/provide#etymonline_v_2751
https://www.etymonline.com/word/provision#etymonline_v_2755
Perhaps no other song has made such an impact on so many lives across the world than Amazing Grace. In our study this week of "Lost and Found," I find the lostness of John Newton exceedingly profound, as well as how he was found and went from blindness to sight, from wretch to covered by amazing grace. Join me as we look further at John Newton's life, and dig into this life-changing hymn.
Morgan, Robert J. Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition; W. Publishing Group © 2010; Pg 163
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-amazing-grace-part-i
Lost and found. Are you lost? Were you lost, and now you're found? In the same way that a shepherd searches for just one lost sheep and rejoices and celebrates when he finds it, Jesus is searching for you. And when He finds you, all of heaven will rejoice.
https://hymnary.org/text/i_will_serve_thee_because_i_love_thee
https://www.bible-history.com/links.php?cat=39⊂=414&cat_name=&subcat_name=Shepherds
Lost. It has so many different meanings. Each one of us comes into this world lost. But Jesus said He came to seek us out and to find us and to save us! And He is the way and the truth and the life.
In 1895, "Open My Eyes, That I May See" was published as part of a collection of hymns by Mrs. Clara H. Scott. Clara Scott made history as the first woman to have a full book of her own compositions published, and later, two more song collections of hers were published, one a book of hymns. Of the many songs she wrote and composed, the only one she remains known for is "Open My Eyes, That I May See." Her life was cut short at age 66 in an accident involving a runaway horse and buggy. Join me in this episode of ThoughtSeeds Podcast to find out more about the life of Clara Scott, and her famous hymn.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195352743/clara-harriet-scott
(Newspaper account of Mrs. Scott's death)
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56864015/clara-scott-killed-in-buggy-accident-at/
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-open-my-eyes-that-i-may-see
From Elisha's prophetic visions ruining the attack plans of the Syrian king to his prayers that God open his young servant's eyes to the heavenly armies surrounding them, God tells us a lot about vision and sight. The young man's eyes were indeed opened, but beyond the natural world, giving him a glimpse of the supernatural world around him. And a blind beggar, ironically named "son of honor," begged Jesus to restore his sight, and Jesus honored him by doing so, saying his faith had made him well. Bartiamaeus didn't just gain his physical eyesight that day, he gained salvation, because he sought the Savior for healing, and he believed in Jesus as his Messiah.
If you need vision -- maybe you're feeling in the dark in life lately -- ask God to open your eyes. Join me today to learn more about what the Bible says about vision and God restoring our sight.
Vision. Do you have vision and clarity for the path ahead of you? How can you know where and how to walk through life with wisdom and discernment? God tells us to ask Him, and He'll answer. He wants to share His vision for us with us! Jeremiah 33:3 tells us "Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Are you ready for that?
Though he only lived 38 years before his life here on earth was cut short, Philip P. Bliss left us all with a tremendous gift in the words and musical melodies he wrote and composed. How many individuals have come to know Christ because of his hymns? How many have been lifted up and encouraged, or challenged and convicted, as they hear the hymns or sing the words? "Wonderful Words of Life" was written at the specific request of a friend, Fleming Revell, of Revell Publishing, as he prepared to launch a new Sunday School paper with the title "Words of Life." He intended to use the paper to encourage people to read and study their Bibles, and he asked Philip Bliss to write a hymn for that purpose. Philip agreed, and the world was gifted with "Wonderful Words of Life." Join me in today's episode as we look at more of Philip Bliss' life, and what those "words of life" mean for each of us.
https://wordwisehymns.com/2011/06/06/wonderful-words-of-life/
The book of Proverbs has much to tell us about the words we say -- words we should say, words we should not say, and what kinds of words we should be listening to or avoiding. Join me as we look through Proverbs for God's wisdom on words that are "fitly spoken."
As we study Scripture, we start to see that God places a lot of importance on the words we say. Psalm 19:14 is a prayer that David prayed, asking God to help him "let the words of" his mouth be acceptable to God. There is great power in the words we speak, so says the Word of God. And the words we speak flow from what we treasure in our heart. The two are completely connected. What does God find "acceptable?" Join me today as we discuss the words we say and what is acceptable to Him.
Recently graduated from seminary, Joseph Gilmore was filling in at a church in Philadelphia in 1862, at the height of fighting in the Civil War. He planned to preach from Psalm 23, but as he read, he couldn't get past the phrase "He leadeth me . . ." and his sermon was changed by the Holy Spirit. Later that evening, he wrote out what God had spoken to and through him in the form of a poem, handed it to his wife, and promptly forgot about it.
His wife sent it to a Christian magazine, where it caught the attention of well-known composer William Bradbury, who put it to a melody and published it in one of his hymn collections. Three years later, Joseph Gilmore was thumbing through a hymnal in Boston and came across his own poem. Since then, it has been published in over 2,000 hymnals, and God is still using that message to speak comfort, trust, and courage into the hearts of His children around the world.
http://www.paperlesshymnal.com/tph/stories/HeLeadethMe/index.htm
There are a multitude of examples of courage to be found in the Bible, and we should be looking at them, digging into them, and studying them. Each person made an appearance in God's letter to mankind for a reason, and it is worth our time to understand more about them.
In this episode, we focus on one young woman who showed great courage multiple times. Ruth is perhaps not the first person we think of when combining people in the Bible with the word "courage," but I urge you to look at her story and take to heart her example of how to walk with God in true courage and faith in a variety of circumstances and situations.
Three times in the first few verses of Joshua chapter 1, God tells Joshua to "Be strong and courageous." What IS courage? Courage is "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty." At least, that's how the dictionary defines courage.
How do YOU define courage? Why did big, brave, general-of-the-army Joshua need three reminders to be courageous? What fears did he have? What fears do you have? How does your heart respond to "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
https://www.etymonline.com/word/courage#etymonline_v_19178
Hey everyone! I'm taking the next couple of weeks off to focus on a few changes happening for my family. Nothing bad -- just things requiring attention, and I don't want to give my family OR ThoughtSeeds Podcast the short end of the stick, so I'm taking a short break. See you all in two weeks!
From the battlefields of Culloden Moor to the governer's residence in Bombay, India, travel with me as we learn how the great hymn, "O Worship the King," came to be.
Based on the text of Psalm 104, we're treated to the full display of God's splendor and majesty, and inspired to worship Him as our "Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend."
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-o-worship-the-king
Have you ever stopped to really think about what it truly means to worship God? What does that look like for you? Is it singing praise and worship songs in church? Praying? Reading your Bible? Enjoying nature?
What does God say is a pleasing and acceptable way to worship Him? Romans 12:1 tells us that presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, is an act of spiritual worship. What does it mean to present your body as a living sacrifice? Join me in this episode and we'll talk about it.
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/present-your-bodies-as-a-living-sacrifice-to-god
Worship. What does that mean to you? Who do you worship? How do you worship? Who should we worship? In Psalm 96:9, we're told to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, and to tremble before Him. What does that look like, really? Find out more about what worship really is, and what God says about it in the first of this week's episodes about it.
In 1970, Bill and Gloria Gaither were the parents of young children, and had one by one, lost their grandparents. They observed both the comforting and healing power of the name of Jesus with their children, and watched their grandparents slip from earth to the arms of Jesus as they uttered His Name. This brief song says much in its few words. "Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. There's just something about that name."
There are so many names found in the Bible for Jesus alone, never mind all of the names listed for the entire Godhead. Even just scratching the surface of studying that opens up our eyes and our hearts to the rich and vast identity of our Savior. Do you know Him? I mean, do you REALLY know Him? Is He your Jesus? Your "I AM, Rescuer, Deliverer, Savior?"
Jesus. What does that Name mean to you? An angel told Joseph, His earthly father, to call Him Jesus, because He would save His people from their sins. Jesus comes from "Yeshua," and it means "YHWH will save." YHWH is "I AM." Jesus did say that He came to seek and to save those who are lost. That's every one of us -- lost, until we come to Him.
https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog-and-stories/what-are-names-titles-jesus.html
https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog-and-stories/jesus-name-mean.html
A poem copied down in England for a blind friend by a minister traveled three years later across the ocean to America, where it was published in a newspaper. Still later, William Bradbury saw it and composed a melody for it. William Walford is credited with the poem, though that is not 100% verified. "Sweet Hour of Prayer" calls us to a private time of communing with our Lord in a deeply personal way. Truly, time like this with Him IS sweet.
Prayer is powerful! In the Bible, we see Jesus connect faith to the power of prayer. In James, righteousness is tied to the power of prayer, and Jesus connects humility to powerful prayer. We also see how failing to pray can cause us to fail in that endeavor. Key to all of it is abiding in Christ at all times -- never letting ourselves be disconnected from the True Vine, as a branch dependent on Him.
Prayer -- what is it and why is it so important? In this episode, we look at Philippians 4:6-7 piece by piece and what each phrase really means. We also look at the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, phrase by phrase.
https://www.lorettochapel.com/blog/lords-prayer-explained
Charles Wesley was the most prolific English hymnwriter in history. In 1847, he wrote "Soldiers of Christ, Arise," originally titled "The Whole Armor of God, Ephesians VI." Because he and his brother and their fellow Methodists were highly persecuted by the Anglican church, he wrote this inspiring reminder to rise up as soldiers of Christ, despite the heavy persecution they often endured.
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/john-and-charles-converted
https://songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/soldiers-of-christ-arise
Is there someone in your life who you feel like you're at constant odds with? Is that person your enemy? Even though it can feel like it, most often, they are NOT the enemy. The real enemy wants you to think that, but the truth is that HE'S the enemy, and he is doing his best to destroy you. How can you take back the ground you've surrendered to him?
We are in a very real battle every single day, whether we want to be or not. It is not a physical battle, but a spiritual one. Who are we fighting? Our enemy goes by many names: Satan, the devil, that old serpent, father of lies, a prowling lion, accuser, adversary, and more. If we do not know our enemy, we can not effectively fight him. Learn who your enemy is, and what his tactics are.
From railway conductor to traveling evangelist with his wife, Seth Sykes and his wife Bessie shared the gospel wherever they went. Together, they wrote this long-loved simple hymn, "Thank You, Lord, For Saving My Soul. In it, the salvation message is front and center, as we thank God for saving us and making us whole, and for giving us His "great salvation so rich and free."
https://discerningmusic.wordpress.com/2015/10/24/thank-you-lord-for-saving-my-soul-seth-and-bessie-sykes/
We're told in Ephesians and 1 Thessalonians to give thanks to God in all circumstances. That can be tough to swallow, but thankfully, we have an example in the earthly life of Jesus. By looking at the times He chose to publicly give thanks, we can find a heart of gratitude ourselves "in all things."
In a season of thanksgiving, draw examples of real life gratitude from events in the Word of God. King Jehoshaphat faced a foe he could not defeat in his own strength, so he called all of his people together and they cried out to God for help. The instructions God sent were for them to watch and not worry -- God would fight this battle. But He also told them to send out their singers ahead of them, and so they did. "Give thanks to the LORD! His faithful love endures forever!" is what they sang out with all their might. The Bible says when the singing started, the enemy armies started turning on each other, and there was no battle for Jehoshaphat and his men to even worry about. What do YOU give thanks to God about?
In the late 1780's in London, Robert Raikes was burdened for the multitudes of children who worked in the factories in slave-like conditions six days a week. They had no formal education and no time to attend school, so Raikes started a "Sunday School." The Bible was the textbook, and also the Book used to teach the children to read. Despite some criticisms, the movement grew exponentially. John Burton was a young man who became a teacher for Raikes' Sunday School somewhere around the turn of the century. He wrote simple hymns to teach the children truths in a way that they could easily memorize, since they couldn't read. One of these was "Holy Bible, Book Divine." Like the song says, "Precious Treasure, thou art mine."
https://wordwisehymns.com/2012/04/13/holy-bible-book-divine/
https://thescottspot.wordpress.com/2016/02/02/holy-bible-book-divine-written-in-1803/
What IS a life verse? Do you need one? How do you get one? Is it even right to consider picking one verse from the entire Bible to sum up your life? If we are careful to remember that ALL of Scripture is inspired by God and ALL of it is profitable for us, then a particular verse that often comes to mind and encourages you or refocuses your attention on God is not a problem. What might be a problem is purposely selecting a verse that you feel "fits your life," because God's Word is supposed to change US. It's not supposed to conform to how we live our life. If I just stepped on your toes, then I encourage you to listen to this episode!
https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/what-is-a-life-verse-and-how-do-i-choose-one.html
What is a life verse? Do you have one? Mine is Joshua 1:9, and from an event in my life when I was a young girl, God has used that verse of Scripture to minister and guide me countless times. If even mighty General Joshua, leader of the Israelite army, and later the leader of all the people, needed reminders from God to be strong and have courage, then certainly it's a reminder I can use myself over and over again.
One night after evangelistic meetings, Ralph Hudson asked Mrs. Clara Williams to write a poem to include in his upcoming hymn publication. That same night, she sat down and wrote "Satisfied." In the morning, she gave it to Mr. Hudson, who took the poem and made it a hymn by composing the music. "Hallelujah, I have found Him Whom my soul so long has craved. Jesus satisfies my longings, through His blood I now I am saved."
https://womenofchristianity.com/satisfied-by-clara-tear-williams-hymn-story/
God tells us to delight ourselves in Him, and He'll give us the desires of our hearts. Delight means "extreme satisfaction and great pleasure." What kinds of things do you seek out for extreme satisfaction and great pleasure? Are they things that will cause you to delight in the Lord, or things that will leave you empty and coming back for more?
Numerous places in Scripture talk about our longings being satisfied. What are we longing for, and what satisfies it? God says our souls long for Him, and He fills us and satisfies us. What is your soul longing for? Jesus -- the Bread of Life and the Living Water -- is more than able to satisfy every longing you have.
A life of multiple personal difficulties and tragedies, including living through the Civil War and losing her husband and two of her children, could have broken Mary Kidder, or made her bitter. Instead, she wrote hymns and used the words the Holy Spirit gave her to minister to herself and others while she supported her family. "Did You Think to Pray?" asks us hard questions that might make us uncomfortable, but answering them to ourselves and our God honestly ultimately enriches our lives immeasurably.
"'Ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray?"
https://ldshymnology.wordpress.com/tag/mary-ann-kidder/
http://drhamrick.blogspot.com/.../did-you-think-to-pray.html
http://www.laricemusic.com/didyouthinktopray.html
https://wordwisehymns.com/2013/08/30/did-you-think-to-pray/
The Hebrew word used in 2 Chronicles 7:14 for 'pray' is a word that means to intercede, to intervene, to interpose. The humble praying we are doing for others as believers is in intercession. Like Abraham praying for Lot and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and like Moses standing in the face of God's wrath to pray for the wayward people of Israel, we are called to stand in the gap for those around us, that they would be redeemed and freed by the sacrifice and grace of Jesus Christ.
https://utmost.org/intercessory-prayer/
In 2 Chronicles 7:14, we're told that if God's people humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways and seek His face, He'll hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land. What wicked ways is He talking about? Exactly who was God talking to in this verse? And today? Who is this verse for today? Who is God calling "My people?"
Penned as a poem to comfort his mother from across an ocean, Joseph Scriven drew from his own life experiences when he wrote the words "What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear . . ." Through much personal tragedy, he testified of the healing power of taking everything to his Lord in prayer.
http://www.staugustine.com/…/story-behind-song-what-friend-…
https://www.sdretire.com/blogs/?p=125
https://www.sdretire.com/blogs/?p=125
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/privilege
Why is it important to have friends -- particularly Godly friends? God tells us that two are better than one, and that good and Godly friends sharpen each other in beneficial ways. We're supposed to be encouraging to our friends and love them. Who should we NOT be friends with? The foolish and unwise, and those who are perpetually wrathful and in an angry temper. Who are your friends? Are you a good and Godly friend?
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/sharpening-one-another/
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-is-the-meaning-of-iron-sharpens-iron-in-proverbs-27-17.html
Abraham was called a friend of God, because he believed God. That trust was important to God. Moses was God's friend -- God came and spoke to him face to face as a man speaks to a friend. Jesus tells us that the ultimate definition of a friend is one who has so much love for someone, they willingly lay down their life for them. Of course, Jesus Himself did exactly that, and He is the perfect example of a friend. What does it take for you or me to be a friend of God?
In 1978, 28-year-old Ron Hamilton received the news that he had melanoma in his left eye. His only chance was surgery to remove his eye. After his bandages were taken off, his surgeon gave him an eye patch. Ron didn't know it that day, but that patch led him down the path God was leading him to. He became the much-loved Patch the Pirate, writing multitudes of stories and songs to share with children in his efforts to bring the Gospel of Jesus to them. Before he became Patch the Pirate, though, he wrote "O Rejoice in the Lord," almost immediately following his surgery. It is one of his most widely known and sung songs around the world.
https://nlbpc.org/web/posts/2544/
https://www.majestymusic.com/about-majesty-music
https://www.majestymusic.com/health
God says in Malachi 3:3 that He "sits as a refiner and purifer of silver." Refining and purifying silver requires the silversmith to sit and watch the silver in the flame, waiting for the exact moment that the dross -- the impurities -- are gone, and he can see his reflection in the liquid metal. He watches the entire time, lest it stay in the flame too long. In the same way, God watches over us as He refines us in various fires of life.
http://www.clarion-call.org/extras/malachi.htm
Throughout the Bible, we find references to God as a Refiner, to the Refiner's fire, and the refining process. What does He mean by that? In Malachi 3, we see the prophecy of the coming of the Messiah, and He is called THE refiner's fire. Jesus was and is that promised deliverer -- the Messiah. Who did He first do refining work on? His ministry team -- those 12 men He chose to work and teach alongside Him. He took unrefined, undesirable-for-their-positions men and refined them into some of the greatest preachers the world has ever seen.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine
https://www.mgsrefining.com/blog/2014/02/11/induction-heating-and-precious-metal-refining/#:~:text=But%20when%20it%20comes%20to,we%20use%20an%20induction%20furnace
https://www.joshwrightpiano.com/blog/fullers-soap4063934
In the beginning of the twentieth century, Kate Barclay Wilkinson wrote out six powerful stanzas of a poem that would become her only hymn, which wasn't published until 1925, only three years before her death. Drawing from multiple Scriptures that refer to the mind of Christ, but primarily Philippians 2:5, Kate Wilkinson builds a strong foundation with each stanza. "May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day; By His love and power controlling all I do and say."
We all mess up, and usually on a continual basis. The enemy would love to see us covered in shame and guilt, paralyzed and unable to live freely in Christ. God doesn't work that way, though. He says in our weakness, His power is perfected. Instead of hiding away in self-condemnation when we mess up, God says to come to Him and confess our sin. He says He is slow to anger, and full of gracious forgiveness and compassionate mercy.
In Romans 7:19, the Apostle Paul says "For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." We all have good intentions -- good things we want to do. We often fall short of those good intentions, though, and no amount of trying to make it up is enough. We fall short of God's glory. It's through Jesus Christ that we are justified by His grace. When we allow Him to be our strength when we are weak, we glorify Him. Let Jesus give you the strength to do the "good that you would do."
130 years ago, Albert B. Simpson wrote and published the hymn, "Yesterday, Today, Forever." The message remains the same today, just like Jesus Christ Himself. "All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!"
In life, there are stages we all must pass through that we could call seasons. We all have to be born, we all have to be babies, and then children. If we're granted long life, we have to grow old, and at some point, we all walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Those are seasons of life. Other things are like seasons in our lives, too. Circumstances that catch us by surprise -- good or bad, relationships ending or new ones beginning. Through each and every step of every single season, God is with us. He says that He's walking beside us, behind us, in front of us, and above and below us. If we walk through hell, He's there. If we go to the bottom of the sea, He's there. He formed and fashioned us from the very beginning, and He is intimately familiar with everything about us. We are precious to Him, and though seasons change, He does not.
God says that He set the stars in the heavens as signs for our seasons, and as long as the earth remains, the seasons will continue to change, without ceasing. We often look at the coming of spring after winter as a testament of God's faithfulness, and that is true. It is. What is also true is that the change from fall to winter is just as much a testament of His faithfulness! Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever, and as the seasons changing -- every one of them -- speak that truth to us, year after year.
Fanny Crosby, blinded at only 6 weeks old, wrote between 8,000 and 9,000 hymns in her lifetime, and when asked if she'd written any specifically about her own conversion experience, began to sing this one. Do you, like the song says, love to proclaim that you've been redeemed? Christ has bought us with the price of His own blood, and in so doing, He offers us the chance and ability to become His very own child forever.
As children of the God of heaven, we are already redeemed from hell. God still offers us redemption, however, from other areas of life. Whether you need to be ransomed from the grip of something that draws your attention away from Him, or you need release from burdens, grief, despair, or depression, ask Him to redeem you. He is your Father, and He promises to redeem you from what is too strong for you.
Redemption. What does it mean to you? The roots of the word mean "to buy back, release, ransom." What do we need to "bought back" from? What kind of ransom is involved with every single person who has ever lived? Why would YOU need to be redeemed?
This hymn from 1887 has a personal story behind its origins. From separate brokenhearted letters to a music professor, we are blessed by that professor's insight and encouraging heart, as he was inspired by the verse in Scripture about God's everlasting arms. He supplied the idea and the music, and his prolific hymn-writing friend supplied the famous lyrics, with that first line so many of us know so well: "What a fellowship, what a joy divine -- leaning on the everlasting arms."
When we're told in Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God, the third piece on the list is our shoes of the readiness of the gospel of peace. It might sound strange to put on "shoes of peace" as we prepare for battle, but these aren't just any shoes, and the peace they represent isn't just any peace. These shoes enable us to have firm footing on any ground we walk over, keeping us stable and moving forward, no matter the chaos of battle around us. How can you put on your shoes of peace, and what does that mean for your life?
When you hear the word "peace," what comes to mind? A placid and still lake? Quiet? What if I told you that stillness and quiet is only a small part of peace? Peace is, according to God, a complete soundness of mind, safety, security, wholeness, and friendship with Him. He offers "perfect peace" when you lean on Him for support, and trust that He's going to uphold you and sustain you.
Jesus refers to Himself numerous times in the Scriptures as "the Light of the world." The man blind from birth who had his sight restored by Jesus declared, "Once I was blind, but now I see!" In Genesis 1:3, Jesus said, "Let there be light." In the end of the Bible, in Revelation 21, we read that Jesus is the light of the city of heaven. Philip P. Bliss knew all of this when he wrote and composed the hymn, "The Light of the World is Jesus," and he wove all of it into the message of his song. "Come to the light, 'tis shining for thee."
https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/biobliss.html
In Matthew 5, Jesus calls us -- believers -- "the light of the world." With His Spirit living in us, we do have that light. Do our lives, our words, and our actions reflect that light, or do they hide it in shadow? Light exposes what the darkness hides, and Jesus is calling you to reveal the truth by being the light. Let your light shine so others see it and are drawn to Jesus Christ.
Darkness cannot share space with light. Where light is, darkness must flee. Jesus calls Himself the Light of the World. What darkness do you need illuminated by the light of His presence? What shame do you need to cast off as you step out of darkness and into light? Jesus says if you follow Him, you'll not walk in darkness, but you'll have the light of life.
In his brief 38 years here on earth, Philip P. Bliss left a lasting legacy of hymns. One of the most loved is "Jesus Loves Even Me." Before we come to Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, we are, by our very nature, His enemy. And yet, in His great mercy, He loves us. He gave His life for us, while we were still sinners. Truly, Jesus loves even ME.
http://breadsite.org/hymnstories/jesuslovesevenme.htm
https://meaningfulhomeschooling.com/hymn-study-jesus-loves-even-me/#:~:text=Philip%20P.,farm%20in%20a%20lumber%20camp.&text=The%20hymn%20“Jesus%20Loves%20Even,Love%20Jesus”%20was%20sung%20often.
It's hard enough to imagine loving our enemies, but when we really stop and think about doing such a thing, the inevitable question comes up: How? HOW do you love your enemy? The very next words Jesus utters after "love your enemies" are "pray for those who persecute you." We love our enemies by praying for them. Sound strange? Well, in the logic of the world around us, yes, it's strange! But Jesus said we're not called to conform to this world, so being a little strange is okay.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-ways-to-pray-for-our-enemies/
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us to love our enemies. He Himself is the ultimate example of Someone Who loves His enemies, but how do WE do that? And why would we want to? How do we even define the terms "love" and "enemy?"
Is God calling you to speak out, or go somewhere for Him? Or is He asking you to wait on Him right now? Either way, it requires trusting Him. The hymn "Trusting Jesus" calls us to trust Him no matter what our circumstances, no matter how small our faith, and to continue trusting Him to the end of our days here on earth, when He welcomes us into His home. "Trusting Jesus, that is all."
While it can be difficult to obey God when He calls to do or say something, or to go somewhere, it can be even harder to obey Him when He says "Wait. Wait on Me." Waiting on God, instead of doing it ourselves means we're trusting Him to act. Faith grows through patience, and even though waiting can sometimes be painful, and we might feel like nothing is happening -- nothing is changing -- God IS at work, and He will honor our faithfulness in waiting on Him.
Have you ever felt that nudge from God to do or say something that feels completely out of nowhere for you? Maybe He's calling you to go somewhere, whether that's down the street or thousands of miles, and you're frozen in fear or indecision. When the people of Israel were trapped on the beach of the Red Sea, and crying out to God in their fear, God's reply was to "Move forward." Move where? And in God's amazing and miraculous power and mercy, He split the sea in two, making a way forward. He's waiting to show you your way forward, too.
Out of the more than 700 songs Bill and Gloria Gaither have written through the past 50+ years, this brief poem and touching melody reach out with encouragement and hope. Jesus says He is making you new. He says He's giving you beauty for your ashes. Let Him make you beautiful and good.
https://youtu.be/Z_FTdgFe1ew
Jesus not only has come to give us beauty for our ashes, He's come to pour out the oil of joy as a comfort for our mourning. He's come to clothe us in a garment of praise to take away the spirit of heaviness. When we lift our face to the heavens, we'll see the glimmer of joy as a sun ray through storm clouds, ready to anoint us in our sorrows and heavy hearts. Lift your voice in praise as your Savior wraps you in HIS beautiful garment.
https://www.thesheepfold.org/studies/pdf/14_HEAVINESS_SPIRIT.pdf
https://newcreation.tv/pastor-joes-blog/2019/5/8/the-spirit-of-heaviness
https://www.thesheepfold.org/studies/pdf/13_THE_GARMENT_OF_PRAISE.pdf
In Isaiah 61, we find prophetic verses about Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus read the first verse and part of the second in the synagogue of His hometown, declaring that He was the fulfillment of that prophecy. One of the things Jesus says He has come to do is to give us beauty for ashes. Ashes are symbol of deep grief and mourning, and our Savior promises to turn our ashes of grief into something beautiful.
Though we don't know for sure who wrote the lyrics to this classic hymn, we do know who composed the music. William Bradbury -- composer of the well-known children's hymn, "Jesus Loves Me" -- originally intended for this to also be a children's hymn for his children's singing schools. This and many other of his hymns are in our hymnals today, meant to be sung by all, and their truths continue to shine the light of the Gospel every time they are lifted up in worship.
https://www.rmjc.org/node/622
In Psalm 23, we find David's perspective as a shepherd himself of God as our Shepherd. The Good Shepherd leads His sheep to the provision of daily food in green pastures, and for quietness of mind, He finds still waters to bring us to. When the pests of life threaten to overwhelm us and make life crazy, He anoints our heads with the oil of His goodness and mercy. You can follow Him, even through the darkest dark, in that valley of the shadow of death.
https://www.bible-history.com/links.php?cat=39⊂=414&cat_name=&subcat_name=Shepherds
http://deannaharrison.com/2016/08/10/lessons-from-a-sheep-part-7-my-cup-runneth-over/
Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd, and He describes and refers to numerous roles and duties of a shepherd. Sheep and shepherds are an integral part of the shaping and history of the nation of Israel, and their presence and necessity is woven through the thousands of years since God first called Abraham. The Bible likens us to sheep, and studying sheep and shepherds is an eye-opening look at what Jesus really means when He calls Himself the Good Shepherd.
https://www.bible-history.com/links.php?cat=39⊂=414&cat_name=Manners+%26+Customs&subcat_name=Shepherds
In 1903, Reverend Cleland McAfee's 2 tiny nieces died within 24 hours of each other from diphtheria. His brother's family was then quarantined, with no one allowed in or out. In the midst of this great grief for their family and their community, he was asked to both preach and sing for the funeral service. From that, he wrote this hymn, taught it to his church choir, and subsequently blessed thousands over the past 100+ years. "There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God."
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCldesSA6aJ/
https://www.instagram.com/makobrass/
Jesus calls us to Him, with our weariness and burdens, and He promises to give us rest. His rest involves submitting to His yoke, and He assures us of His guidance. The rest offered by a guiding yoke of submission to Jesus is interwoven with the restoring, rejuvenating rest of the Sabbath Day. Both require trusting God. The Sabbath rest inherently involves trusting Him for provision during our time of rest, and the yoke asks us to trust Him to direct our lives.
https://www.christianity.com/jesus/life-of-jesus/teaching-and-messages/the-yoke-of-jesus-biblical-meaning-and-importance.html
God says a lot about rest in the Bible. One of His promises made to His people in Exodus 33 was that He would go with them into the Promised Land -- and He would give them rest. Rest does not only mean sleep, it also means to establish, to be free from anxiety, to have peace of mind, and so much more.
There are many variations of this encouraging and faith-bolstering hymn, from Civil Rights versions to old gospel style. Its message strengthens resolve and gives hope to the singer and hearer alike. "I shall not be moved." If you are standing steady on the Cornerstone rock that is Jesus Christ, and you've allowed Him to plant the roots of your life in the rich soil next to the water of life that is His Word, you can truly say, "I shall not be moved." Whatever storms try to buffet you and blow you away, your foundation is secure and your roots are deep. The storms make you stronger and they grow your roots deeper. In Christ, you truly shall not be moved.
Psalm 1 gives us great picture contrasts of a life lived for God versus a life lived in wicked opposition to Him. The one who follows God, obeys Him, and delights in His Word is "like a tree, planted by streams of water . . ." Trees grow deep roots and taller and stronger as wind buffets them. Through storms, however, that root system keeps them in place. They do not move from where they are rooted. If we are rooted in our God and His Word, we will not move or be shaken, either.
God refers to Himself as our refuge and our strength, and He describes Himself as a "very present" help in trouble. As all those things, we do not need to be afraid or in turmoil, even if the entire earth crumbles into nothing around us. Jesus says He is in the midst of us and we will not be moved as we steady ourselves and build our lives on Him as the cornerstone.
God has been our help in the past, and He is our hope and our help in the days ahead. Just as the Protestants of England faced uncertain times and potential loss of religious freedoms in the early 1700s, we also live in uncertain times, with many of our freedoms teetering precariously. Isaac Watts wrote "O God, Our Help in Ages Past" as a hymn of comfort and assurance as a response to the chaos of his time. 300 years later, these words still offer truth and hope, because Jesus Christ does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
When God directed Joshua to lead the people of Israel across the Jordan River and into Canaan, the first giant they faced was the heavily fortified city of Jericho. With retaining walls and towering city walls that had houses built right into them, this fortress was impossible for them to penetrate of their own accord. They needed God to slay this giant, and He absolutely did. What giants do you face in your own life? Fear? A broken marriage? Addictions? Whatever your giants are, God is waiting for you to hand over the reins of control so He can conquer them for you. The Lord is mighty in battle!
https://answersingenesis.org/archaeology/the-walls-of-jericho/
The people of Israel allowed fear of physical giants to keep them from their Promised Land, despite God's assurance that He was going to fight their battles. David, hundreds of years later, however, did the opposite. Armed with the courage of the Lord of hosts, he went out to face the giant terrorizing the armies of the living God. Boldly, he stated that the battle was the Lord's, and that God would deliver the Goliath into his hands that very day. His faith and courage were correctly placed -- God DID fight the battle and slay the giant. God tells us that His Holy Spirit living in us is greater than the spirit of the enemy in the world. He tells us not to be afraid, but to have courage -- He is still the slayer of giants.
At an evangelistic meeting of the famous preacher, Dwight L. Moody, a young man stood up and said "I am not quite sure -- but I will trust, and I will obey." Nobody knows who that young man was, but his words stuck with Moody's songleader, who wrote them down and shared them with a friend. Together, they wrote this enduring hymn, encouraging millions for the past 130+ years to trust, and to obey.
The opposite of obedience is disobedience, and God has a lot to say about that, too. Our first line of defense against disobedience is to "take every thought captive to obey Christ." We are not in a physical battle, but a daily spiritual battle. Testing our thoughts against the Word of God helps us determine if we're being attacked and drawn into disobedience. If we stop thoughts that don't line up with Scripture right in their tracks, we're kept from harming ourselves or others with words or actions.
Obedience. Does that word leave a sour taste in your mouth, or make you squirm uncomfortably in your seat? Obedience isn't always fun, but obeying God doesn't mean the ruining of your life. No, in fact, the opposite is true! God says if we obey Him and follow His commands, He has abundant blessings for us!
A simple worship song written nearly fifty years ago has made its way into hymnals around the world, and its simple message is still speaking truth to countless hearts. "Seek Ye First" was written during a time of financial poverty in Karen Lafferty's life, and it has ended up providing her with financial support as she works in music missions internationally. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, Alleluia."
We are in a spiritual battle every single day, and as God's children and soldiers for Him, He has issued us protective armor. One of those pieces is the Breastplate of Righteousness. Just as the physical heart is the source of life for the physical body, the spiritual heart is our spiritual source of life. It needs to be protected! Living in God's righteousness is one of the surest ways to protect against the unending schemes and attacks of the enemy.
"Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Jesus tells us to seek God's righteousness above all else. What is righteousness? How is it different from SELF-righteousness? How important is it to my individual life to care about God's righteousness?
For five years, Judson Van DeVenter wrestled with the decision of whether to continue his career as a teacher, or to transition into fulltime evanglistic ministry. Finally, he gave in, and when he did, he wrote this beautiful and enduring hymn, "I Surrender All." What is God calling you to surrender? A different job, like Van DeVenter? Or maybe you know He's been nudging you to give up certain activities, but you're holding on. They might even be good things, but He's asking you to lay them down! Whatever it is, listen to this song and the beautiful truths in it, and find rest in surrendering ALL to Jesus.
http://dianaleaghmatthews.com/i-surrender-all/#.XvyuF8fPxPY
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-i-surrender-all
When Jesus left heaven for earth and gave up His life on the cross for us, He surrendered everything on our behalf. He set aside His power and authority so we could find freedom in His death and resurrection. What does He want US to surrender for Him? What does it mean -- really? -- to submit to God?
When you hear the word "surrender," do you think of one army surrendering to another in defeat? The original, old English meaning of the word means to "go above and beyond giving back or giving up oneself." Yielding ourselves completely to Christ is surrender. Letting Him have final say over what we do with our bodies, and what we think, say, and do is part of taking up our cross daily.
https://utmost.org/total-surrender/
Charles H. Gabriel went from teaching himself to play an organ as an Iowa farm boy to organizing singing schools at age 17. Eventually, he'd go on to work with some of the biggest names in hymnody of his day, and write and compose over 7,000 hymns. Some of his well-known hymns include "His Eye is on the Sparrow," and "I Stand Amazed in the Presence." He wrote and composed "Send the Light" at the request of his church's Sunday School superintendent for a special missions offering on Easter Sunday. "Send the Light" quickly became one of the most popular and enduring missions hymns, and it remains so today. Where is God calling you to send your light as you share the gospel of Jesus?
What is the truth of the gospel? Is it that Jesus came to make our life happier and more comfortable? Or did Jesus come, as He said "to seek and to save those who are lost?" He did come to seek and to save, and what we are saved FROM is what we need to be sharing with all urgency with the people around us. We are saved from the Day of Judgment, from hell -- from the penalty for our own sin. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
Way of the Master Resources here: https://www.livingwaters.com/outreach/way-of-the-master/
https://www1.cbn.com/spirituallife/kirk-cameron-the-gospel-truth
Who do you say that Jesus is? Historical evidence, even from secular sources, says He did exist. He did live and walk and talk here on earth. But was He God? IS He God? And if He is God, why did He come here? What does any of that have to do with your life now, thousands of years later?
Psalm 46:10 says "Be still, and know that I am God." Katharina von Schlegel wrote a beautiful hymn around that phrase over 300 years ago, and over a period of around 150 years, that hymn made its way into English from German, and was paired with the beautiful melody FINLANDIA. What do we gain by "being still?" Well, like the verse says, when we "be still," we know that HE is GOD. The hymn, "Be Still, My Soul" draws out numerous ways we can know He is God, through every circumstance.
Even sealed in a deep pit in the utter darkness, surrounded by hungry lions, Daniel was not alone. God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths. No matter where YOU go, and no matter what you do, you are never alone, either. God promises He is with you everywhere and anywhere, and He will never forget you. He can't! You are engraved in the palms of His hands, because He is holding you there securely.
How often do you feel truly alone, like you're isolated and maybe even abandoned? Sometimes, we have to walk through a portion of life without others, but in those times, God is still with us, no matter how dark or lonely the circumstances become. Look with me at David, Elijah, and even Jesus Himself and how they went through lonely times and know you do not walk alone through the valley of the shadow of death.
The beautiful and stirring hymn, "My Jesus, I Love Thee," was written by a teenaged boy after he found salvation in Jesus Christ. William Featherstone blessed us with his poem, even as his own life was cut short at age twenty-seven. "My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the follies of sin I resign." Join me to find out more and to be able to truly say "If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now."
The transforming power of the Holy Spirit can change our hearts. As we looked yesterday at returning to Christ, our first love, we look today at how the Holy Spirit can help us do that when we allow Him to change our hearts and minds by rooting out sin and planting the seeds that yield the fruit of the Spirit.
In Revelation chapter 2, we find a letter from Jesus to the church at Ephesus. In it, the Lord praises them for numerous positive traits, but pauses: "Nevertheless, I have this against you: You have left your first love." Today, we'll explore what that means and examine if we are also guilty of leaving our first love -- Jesus.
With truth as our foundation walking through life, we need God's help day by day. Lina Sandell knew this and experienced God's faithfulness and sustaining love in her own life through personal loss. This "Fanny Crosby of Sweden" composed more than 650 hymns in her lifetime, and it is a blessing to share this one with you.
How and why does living a life of truth affect us and the people around us? Are we walking in integrity, or are we living a dishonest life? Join me in thinking about what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, and more as we discuss how to make truth a centerpiece of importance in our daily lives.
Jesus tells us in John 14:6 that He IS the Truth, and in John 8, He also says that we can know the truth and it will set us free. What is truth -- really? And why is it important? How can we be set free by truth? Like a path of solid, secure rocks across a flooding river, truth leads us from one secure step to the next in life, giving us firm footing.
Most people have heard the term "Neanderthal," but do you know where it comes from? It is the German name for "Neander's Valley," which is a valley near Dusseldorf, Germany named after Joachim Neander. Neander wrote around 60 hymns in his short life before he died at age 30, and he loved to praise God for the beauty of creation. One of his most famous hymns is "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," and we look at both the life of Joachim Neander and the words of this hymn in today's episode.
What is one of the greatest spiritual weapons God has equipped us with? The power of praise! Praise has literally defeated mighty armies, shaken the earth and loosed chains, and it has powerfully converted torturers in the moments that their victims are singing praises while dying. How can you effectively wield this and praise the devil into fleeing from you? Join me today, and let's praise the enemy away!
What really is praise, and why is it important? We all appreciate praise from others, and God deserves praise from us. The Bible is filled with reasons to praise Him, and we are given multiple commands to do so. Well, what do we praise Him FOR? Look with me at the Psalms and find out what you can praise God for.
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-most-repeated-command-in-the-bible
Russell Kelso Carter was a man of many talents and ambitions, including teaching, preaching, and medical doctoring. In between all of that, he wrote hymns, and during a severe health crisis of his own, he entirely surrended to Jesus Christ, determined that he'd stand on God's promises, whether God chose to heal him on earth or not. Join me as we study this much-loved hymn.
From promises of strength and courage to assurances that He'll give wisdom if we ask, God's Word is absolutely full of promises, from beginning to end. The greatest promise of all is the promise of salvation and forgiveness of sins, resulting in eternal life in heaven. Have you claimed that promise as your own yet?
God has many promises in His Word. Some are for specific people, and some are for the nation of Israel. Still others are for us as believers, and there are promises for all of humanity. Join me today to look at the promises of God.
Connecting with our earlier episodes this week about forgiveness, the burden caused by unforgiveness is one of the heaviest ones of our own making that we can carry. This beautiful hymn offers hope and help. "Burdens are lifted at Calvary -- Jesus is very near." Join me in studying how this hymn was born and in finding out how you can leave your burdens with Jesus today.
Did you know that when you forgive, your brain pathways are rewired? The same thing happens when you choose not to forgive -- it negatively impacts your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and has destructive results on relationships. The catch? You have the choice.
What does it mean to forgive? Broken down, the word means "to completely give up desire or power to punish." When we forgive, we free ourselves. If we choose not to forgive, we imprison ourselves. Christ forgives us, and He asks us to forgive each other.
Despite a life filled with multiple sorrows and trials, Annie Flint was a happy woman, encouraging others, even as a crippled arthritic. Her poems and music proclaim her love for her Lord, and His love for His children. Join me as we study this beautiful hymn of promise and encouragement.
God says that if we love Him, we love others. If we hate someone, He says we are not able to love Him the way we should. How do we let go of bitterness, hate, resentment, anger, and hate and love someone who has hurt us?
What does it mean to love God? He tells us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. How do we do that? Join me in today's podcast as we check into what the Word of God says about loving Him.
A simple, century-old gospel chorus boldly proclaims the truth about our wilderness experiences: Our Lord knows the way through, and all we have to do is follow.
If you're in the middle of a wilderness season, be assured that God intends to lead you out of it into your promised land. While you are there, He is protecting you, guiding you, and keeping you as "the apple of His eye." Find out what it means to be the apple of God's eye, and how you can come out of your wilderness to the other side, into your promised land.
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/meaning-of-apple-of-my-eye-in-the-bible.html
Are you in a place of wilderness in your life? Did you know God often purposely leads us into a wilderness to quiet our hearts and minds, so we can hear His voice?
https://www.hprweb.com/2015/05/the-meaning-of-the-wilderness/
Our hymn this week fits well with our study of sanctuary. As God desires us to be His sanctuary, He fills us with His Holy Spirit. In this simple hymn, we find a beautiful prayer that progressively draws us closer to our Lord.
Sanctuary: a place of refuge or protection. God calls you to Him, to take refuge in His everlasting arms. Find protection in the shelter of the Almighty God, Who consecrated and set you apart before you were even born.
God told His people to prepare a place -- a sanctuary -- for Him, so He could dwell among them. That consecrated, set-apart, and holy place was where He was able to come closest to them here on earth. Today, WE are the sanctuary -- the Holy Spirit dwells in each believer. God has declared us holy and sacred. How do we live a life that is holy, sacred, and set apart? What does it mean to be a sanctuary?
What is stronger than a mighty fortress or a bulwark that never fails? Nothing. God is our fortress, our refuge, our unfailing strength, and as we look at how the great Reformation hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" came to be, we find incredible encouragement and assurance in the promises of Who God truly is.
How often do you rely on your strength? God says to rely on HIS strength, and that it is made perfect in your weakness. How does that even work? Find out how to have joy in making God your strength.
The Bible is full of references to God's strength, but what does that actually mean? IS God strong? Look with me at some of the definitions of the word "strength," and how God comes through for us on all of them. He really is our strength!
Continuing & concluding our theme of brokenness, in this episode, we look at the old gospel song, "Broken Pieces." Life's battles may have you heavy-hearted & discouraged, but Jesus is in the business of making all things new. Place your broken pieces at the Savior's feet and be made whole again.
What can we do with the mountains of hurt and pain causing our brokenness? Should we hold onto it? No, never. Leaving our brokenness in the devil's hands leads to gangrene and poisoned wounds. Leaving our brokenness in God's hands means we can find healing, and our hurts can bring glory to Him. Bring your broken pieces to the foot of the cross, and rest in His everlasting arms.
Like a dish dropped to the floor and broken into smithereens, is your life shattered into fractured pieces? What can God do with your brokenness, and why does He allow it?
Jesus Christ, as the Living Word, is the sure foundation we can build our lives upon. Join me as we look at another truly great hymn and how it relates to our study about stability this past week.
When the world is topsy-turvy, and our emotions are racing around a roller coaster track, how can we find our footing? Where is our equilibrium coming from? The stability offered us by Christ as our firm foundation and our anchor in life's storms is a precious gift, securing our eternity.
God promises in Isaiah to be "the stability for your times." Today, we discuss how being stable means to be steadfast, unchanging, enduring, and how God fulfills each of these requirements.
https://rcspirituality.org/finding_the_plug/the-liturgy-of-the-word-responsorial-psalm/
Our second week studying this hymn leads us to the Living Word -- Jesus Christ Himself. He is not only the Living Word, He calls Himself the Great Physician. Rest your faith on Jesus and join me this week to learn about the final stanzas.
In the middle of all this global turmoil over COVID-19, we have a sure anchor to cling to. What is God's prescription for helping us to trust? Join me today for a look at what He directs us to do to increase our courage and our faith.
Even if life is falling apart around you, can you trust God? Can you rely on Him to be strong, consistent, and to embody truth? In a peek at the life of Job, we talk today about trust, and how God assures us He is trustworthy.
Does your day need a reset button? Maybe you feel like your year, or even your whole LIFE needs a reset. A new start. How can you, imperfect and flawed as you are, ever be enough? Open the door a crack and join me here in ThoughtSeeds as we talk about it. (BONUS EPISODE)
The antidote to doubt is faith, & hymns are full of truth that builds our faith. Join me for a look at an old hymn, "My Faith Has Found a Resting Place," and the encouragement and assurance it offers us.
We may know & accept that God CAN do anything, but do we really believe He WILL? Does God really care what we pray about? Where is He when it seems like there are no answers?
Do you struggle with self-doubt? Do you ever doubt God, whether it be doubts of His care for you, or that He even exists? Look at the assurance of Jeremiah 32:27 with me, and see how God addresses our doubts.