And while I rest my weary head,
From cares and business free;
‘Tis sweet conversing on my bed,
With my own heart and thee.
Hello dear ones, I hope this post finds you all doing well! Today I wanted to share another Isaac Watts hymn with you. I’ve never been able to get over the fact that we can go before the King of kings and Lord of lords in prayer. Not just because I am such a wretch, but mostly because He is holy, holy, holy. I didn’t deserve salvation, adoption, fellowship, or to read Gods Word, and I certainly don’t deserve what Watts writes about here. And yet, we have it full access to His throne, and He hears us. Wow. As always, beloved Brethren, be good Bereans and study to show yourselves approved.
George-Whitefield-Quote
Lord! thou wilt hear me when I pray; I am forever thine; I fear before thee all the day, Nor would I dare to sin.
And while I rest my weary head, From cares and business free; ‘Tis sweet conversing on my bed, With my own heart and thee.
I pay this ev’ning sacrifice; And, when my work is done, Great God, my faith and hope relies Upon thy grace alone.
Thus with my thoughts compos’d to peace, I’ll give mine eyes to sleep; Thy hand in safety keeps my days, And will my slumbers keep!
Hello dear ones, I hope this post finds you all doing well! I’ve been saying for such a long time, and I suppose I’ll just continue to say it, that we need to be as gracious to others on social media as we would be if they were standing in front of us. There’s a lot of opportunities to lose our cool, especially with the wokeness that we’re often confronted with. However, the wonderful thing about talking to someone online is that, unlike in person, when you begin to be upset you can log off. Which means, we should be even more gracious online than we are in person! That’s why I picked this beautiful hymn by Fanny Crosby. Here she’s talking about being kind to one another because you never know when you’ll lose them. Loss was certainly something Ms. Crosby knew plenty about, having lost her fiancé right before they were supposed to be wed. She may have been blind, but she could clearly see we have an issue fighting our flesh, particularly when it comes to being kind to one another. I hope this hymn from the past blesses you all as much as it blessed me, as always beloved brethren be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved!
Hello dear ones! I hope this post finds you all doing well. Today I want to talk about the 18th Century British minister, and hymn writer, Joseph Hart. He was a fascinating man, and wrote some truly beautiful hymns, including the one I’ve added to the end of this article. What stands out the most to me, when I was researching his life, was the years he spent going back and forth between grevious sin, and conviction. Though he was born in 1712, it wasn’t until 1757 that he would be born again. After that he wrote hymns that reflect a man broken by his own sin, and the grace afforded him by God alone before finishing his race in 1768. Many of his hymns were once quite popular with Calvinistic Nonconformists, however most are forgotten today.
Often times, when we look back on Church History, we see Gods providence in a mans life. The sin, the conviction, the battle, then salvation…and they tell their testimony so that others can know that God’s grace can not be bought or earned. While Joseph Hart lived, it’s clear to see he lives two lives. At first he lived his life for sin, enslaved to it. Then, once he was forgiven and redeemed he lived his life for the glory of God. We see that looking back, because we can see how God finished the work He began in Hart. It’s a blessing for us, as believers still pilgrimaging through this world of Vanity Fair’s on our way to the Celestial City, to see how others have come to hear “Well done good and faithful servant”. We see in this mans life, as we see in so many others, the faithfulness of God. I hope this will be an encouragement to you, beloved, as always, be good Berean’s, and study to show yourselves approved.
Great high priest we view thee stooping With our names upon thy breast; In the garden groaning, drooping, To the ground, with sorrow pressed.
Weeping angels stood confounded, To behold their maker thus: And can we remain unwounded, When we know ’twas all for us?
On the cross thy body broken, Cancels every penal tie, Tempted souls produce the token, All demands to satisfy.
All is finished, do not doubt it, But believe your dying Lord, Never reason more about it, Only take Him at His word.
Lord we fain would trust Thee solely, ‘Twas for us thy blood was spilt; Praised bridegroom, take us wholly, Take and make us what thou wilt.
Thou hast borne the bitter sentence Past on man’s devoted race; True belief and true repentance, Are thy gifts, thou God of grace.
Usually on Sunday I only talk about a beautiful hymn, but today I have a hymn and something else on my mind. As you know, dear ones, if you’ve followed me long enough, once upon a time I practiced the religion of politics. I worshipped at the feet of Talking Heads. It started with the unrest in Egypt, when mass crowds of citizens came together and overthrew the dictator that had taken over their country. I watched in horror, as a military stood ready to defend its citizens against their government if need be. They weren’t fighting their leaders, but they weren’t aiming their guns at their people either. It didn’t take long before that particular leader was removed, and a new one was elected. It was as fascinating to me as it was terrifying, but I couldn’t really understand it.
Romans 8:28
I had done really well in my AP Gov classes, but that wasn’t due to intellect. I had been taught a trick for test taking that I still use anytime I need to. The answer to questions is almost always found in other questions, so if I didn’t know something all I had to do was skip ahead and I’d find the answer waiting in the form of a different question. Ironically, it was a group designed to prepare poor folk like me for college, I wasn’t going to be able to afford it so I needed to have the best grades and test results possible. Anyhow, all thats to say that I left high school completely unaware of how the world worked. But as a new mom, and a young wife, the possibility of a country going through so much change that quickly led me to constant research. Which led me to believe the answer was to be found in our elected officials. It was incredibly naive, but you’d have found me in my early twenties campaigning for Conservo-Libertarian candidates as well as rallying in the Tea Parties. I wore “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” shirts and quoted Ayn Rand. And while I still hold to most of the political views that I did then, I now hold to them for a very different reason.
Ezekiel 36:26
The answer to the problems in the world will never come from governments, rulers, or rioters. The answer came on July 4th, 2015 when God graciously saved this idolatrous wretch. He bore my sin and judgement, He bought me with His blood, and I now only obey Him. I am His servant, His slave, and so I tarry here at His good will waiting to make a pilgrimage home. The answer to murder, to hate, to arson, to theft, to sin, is the Gospel. I can’t fix the world, it’s fallen, but I can share the only good news wicked men will ever hear, there is forgiveness in Christ. There is salvation in Christ. Every sin, whether its murder or theft, will be paid for. Either Christ paid for your sin on the cross and you have been given new life and new desires, or you will pay for your sin. There is no such thing as injustice, but there is sinful men who think they’ve put off justice for the moment. But God holds the account, and there will be a day of Judgement.
2 Corinthians 5:21
We were feeling cooped up, so we took a drive. Fargo is only a couple hours from us, if the hubby drives (3 and a half if I drive, because I’m slow and easily distracted by every…single…rest stop…) so we decided to get out of the house. We were keeping a close watch on Minneapolis because it’s not far from us, but it was early when we pulled into downtown Fargo so we didn’t think there would be any danger in driving around. We were met by a young man standing in the middle of the street with his fist in the air and his face covered. It reminded me of the Occupy Wallstreet folks that camped out downtown where I worked back when politics was my religion. A group of them had stepped out into the road, fists up, trying to block me from driving by them. I saw them in time and sped around them, and took a different route to work from then on out. What I’m trying to say is, with my beautiful daughter sitting in the back seat, it freaked me out. There was a march taking place, and we were in the traffic of people taking part. Most of the signs I saw were appropriate, a few of them were not, but one of them had us turning around and driving home.
1 Samuel 12:24
It said “If you can’t change the system, scare it.” I had seen enough videos of the neighboring city burning to know that a small group of the hundreds of people walking the street would stick around to cause trouble, to “scare” the system. Obviously, we drove home after that, and I’m not feeling cooped up this morning I’m feeling thankful for the safety of my home. But there was something else that chilled me to the bones, as we drove home, we passed a dozen or more armored military vehicles all heading for Fargo. Last night the mayor declared a state of emergency. My husband is a very wise man, he must have seen a glint of the old man in me, that dead and rotting corpse that was plagued with fear of all the things I couldn’t fix, and the things I couldn’t control. He pulled up R. C. Sproul’s last sermon and listened to it with me, then he played me John MacArthurs eulogy for the great theologian. We talked about eternal things for most of the drive home. Why Sproul’s last sermon? Why the eulogy? Because my husband knows I need to be reminded of the only answer to sin. He knows I need to be reminded that we have this great hope. Below is a beautiful hymn from Fanny Crosby, and in case you need to be reminded like I did, I added links to that eulogy and sermon. As always, beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
Emoji’s
When my life work is ended, And I cross the swelling tide, When the bright and glorious morning I shall see; I shall know my Redeemer When I reach the other side, And His smile will be the first to welcome me.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him, And redeemed by His side I shall stand, I shall know Him, I shall know Him, By the print of the nails in His hand.
Oh, the soul thrilling rapture When I view His blessèd face, And the luster of His kindly beaming eye; How my full heart will praise Him For the mercy, love and grace, That prepare for me a mansion in the sky.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him, And redeemed by His side I shall stand, I shall know Him, I shall know Him, By the print of the nails in His hand.
Oh, the dear ones in glory, How they beckon me to come, And our parting at the river I recall; To the sweet vales of Eden They will sing my welcome home; But I long to meet my Savior first of all.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him, And redeemed by His side I shall stand, I shall know Him, I shall know Him, By the print of the nails in His hand.
Through the gates to the city In a robe of spotless white, He will lead me where no tears will ever fall; In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight; But I long to meet my Savior first of all.
I found another beautiful hymn written by the Prince of Preachers himself. I love hymns, and I adore Spurgeon’s writings, so naturally his hymns are some of my favorite to read. I’m surprised so few of them are still song today, but I’m thankful we have the ability to see them online. As you spend the morning live streaming, I hope that you are all safe, healthy, and growing in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. As always, beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
Can you think of any other paths that Scripture lays out for us to battle the sin of faithlessness? What is your favorite hymn when dealing with trials, or sorrow?
A Hymn From the Past
Far From the World, O Lord, I Flee – by William Cowper
Today’s hymn is another of William Cowper’s, again focusing on the way a Christian should handle crisis. It’s easy to say “be anxious for nothing” but far more difficult to do it, or to explain how one goes about doing it. Anxiety, fear, faithlessness, can overwhelm even the most seasoned believer. How many messages did I hear about being anxious for nothing in the WoF movement? Too many to count. Unfortunately, I can count all the ways we were taught not to be anxious on one hand. It was simple, you rebuke the fear and the cause of the fear, then ignore it. Cancer? Job loss? Pandemic? Oh no, don’t pay that any attention, proceed as if all is well and surely don’t confide in another church goer, or heaven forbid, a pastor or elder. That would be speaking negative confessions. The answer was actually not an answer, the anxiety wasn’t gone, we just had to keep our problems to ourselves.
What is the actual answer? God has given us means of handling anxiety and fear, rather than expecting us to ignore them or pretend our words have magical powers. I can name four different avenues for renewing our minds when fear threatens to overwhelm us, if you can think of more from Scripture please add them in the comments below. 1. Prayer – what does it really mean to be praying ceaselessly? It doesn’t mean becoming a monk, refusing to eat, sleep, or talk. But to be bringing our thoughts, concerns, praises, thanksgivings to the throne of God throughout the day. In this way, when anxiety or fear begins to bubble up in our minds we have a place of authority to take them. We can rest at the foot of the throne, pouring out our troubles before the God of the universe. One other point about prayer is that we can pray for one another, we don’t have to be alone in this. Asking believers for prayer, and praying for brothers and sisters-in-Christ is such a joy to me, as I often remember what it was like to keep it all inside.
2. Study – When we go to Scripture for devotions and study we learn about God, about His character, about the bigger picture that we tend to miss during our anxious days. We’re grounded again on the truth of God’s sovereignty, reminded of eternity, reminded of His call to share the Gospel, and reminded of mercy when we stumble into fearful anxiety. This is another thing we don’t have to do alone, we can have Bible studies together! 3. Worship – This is the actual point of this post, below is another beautiful hymn that reminds us of our true home. Job asked His wife about this, when she recommended that he just curse God and die. How could he do that? How could he praise God when everything was good, and then turn his back on God when things were, well, awful? When we give God the glory that He so truly is owed, even when we are hurting, we are reminded of the God we serve. Through the words of a Psalm or a hymn we can sing of His love, His mercy, His salvation, of all that He has already done. This takes our mind off of the momentary affliction and puts it where it out to be, reorienting our perspective back on what we have already been given! 4. Fellowship – final thought on this is how we can fellowship. True that right now we’re unable to meet in large numbers, but when we talk with one another about God, about our trials and His provisions, we are baring one another burdens. We’re not alone, we have a family, a body of believers, each with their own battles against the flesh. Alone we might feel like we’re the single most wretched sinner to ever be forgiven, but when we are brought together and enjoy a time of fellowship we see that God is sanctifying all of us. What a kindness God has given to His children!
Can you think of any other paths that Scripture lays out for us to battle the sin of faithlessness? What is your favorite hymn when dealing with trials, or sorrow? Mine is Pass Me Not by Fanny Crosby, but these lyrics below are also edifying and beautiful. I hope you are blessed by this hymn, and please let me know if there is anyway I could be praying for you. As always, beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
Far from the world, O Lord, I flee, From strife and tumult far; From scenes where Satan wages still His most successful war.
The calm retreat, the silent shade, With prayer and praise agree; And seem by Thy sweet bounty made For those who follow Thee.
There, if Thy Spirit touch the soul, And grace her mean abode, O with what peace, and joy, and love, She communes with her God!
There, like the nightingale, she pours Her solitary lays; Nor asks a witness of her song, Nor thirsts for human praise.
Author and Guardian of my life, Sweet Source of light divine, And, all harmonious names in one, My Saviour,–Thou art mine!
What thanks I owe Thee, and what love, A boundless, endless store, Shall echo through the realms above When time shall be no more!
William Cowper was born in the early 1700’s and spent many years in a deep depression. Eventually, having attempting suicide several times, he was placed in an insane asylum where he found a Bible and God graciously saved him. Later, after having moved, Cowper became good friends with John Newton who involves him in ministry to help him with the continued melancholy. This hymn below, written by Cowper, is a beautiful choice for this week when so many are concerned about the virus outbreak. I hope this will bless you today, as always beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill He treasures up His bright designs And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err And scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain.
Continuing with our highlighted hymnist today, we’ve selected another beautiful Anne Steele hymn for you. What hope does man have on this earth to find forgiveness of our sins? There is no hope, no savior of mankind to be found in science, or philosophy, or even the religions of this world. Salvation comes by one way, one road, one narrow path that few find. Christ alone is the only answer, the only way to the Father is through the Son. Repent of your sins, and put your faith in Jesus Christ alone. For the wages of sin is death, yet the gift of God is eternal life. What love is this that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us? This grace is truly amazing! As always, beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
1 Deep are the wounds which sin hath made; Where shall the sinner find a cure? In vain, alas, is nature’s aid, The work exceeds all nature’s power. 2 Sin, like a raging fever, reigns With fatal strength in every part; The dire contagion fills the veins, And spreads its poison to the heart. 3 And can no sovereign balm be found? And is no kind physician nigh, To ease the pain and heal the wound, Ere life and hop forever fly? 4 There is a great physician near, Look up. O fainting soul, and live; See, in his heavenly smiles appear Such ease as nature cannot give! 5 See in the Savior’s dying blood Life, health, and bliss abundant flow! ‘Tis only this dear sacred flood Can cleanse the heart, and heal its woe. 6 Sin throws in vain its pointed dart, For here a sovereign cure is found; A cordial for a fainting heart, A balm for every painful wound.
As I mentioned last Sunday, dear friends, I wanted to spend some time highlighting Anne Steele’s hymns. Today is another one from her, and while it was never as popular as the last, it’s just as beautiful and God glorifying. I hope these words bless you, as they blessed me, and that you all have a sweet day of fellowship. As always, beloved brethren, be good Berean’s and study to show yourselves approved.
1 And did the holy and the just, The sovereign of the skies, Stoop down to wretchedness and dust, That guilty man might rise?
2 Yes, the Redeemer left his throne– His radiant throne on high– Surprising mercy! love unknown! To suffer, bleed, and die.
3 To dwell with misery here below, The Saviour left the skies, And sank to wretchedness and woe, That worthless man might rise.
4 He took the dying traitor’s place, And suffered in his stead: For sinful man–oh, wondrous grace! For sinful man he bled.
5 O Lord, what heavenly wonders dwell In thine atoning blood! By this are sinners saved from hell, And rebels brought to God.
I hope this finds you all doing well, dear ones. I’m so excited to discuss the sister who wrote this hymn. Anne Steele (1717-1778) published this hymn in 1760, although it was written much earlier in her life. There are two version of this song, the short one and the long one. I find both to be absolutely, breathtakingly, encouraging. You see, beloved, Anne was an invalid, and it’s been long believed that she had malaria. Still it’s said that she was lively, joyful, and always interested in a discussion of theology. She wrote this hymn after her fiancé died, drowning on the day they were to marry. Although she was proposed to by another hymn writer later in her life, she remained unmarried. This hymn was written at a time when trusting Gods sovereignty must have been difficult. I hope this blesses you as much as it blessed Becca and I.
Anne Steele Hymn by Becca Barner
When I Survey Life’s Varied Scene
I. When I survey life’s varied scene, Amid the darkest hours, Sweet rays of comfort shine between, And thorns are mix’d with flowers.
II. Lord, teach me to adore thy hand, From whence my comforts flow; And let me in this desert land A glimpse of Canaan know.
III. Is health and ease my happy share? O may I bless my God; Thy kindness let my songs declare, And spread thy praise abroad.
IV. While such delightful gifts as these, Are kindly dealt to me, Be all my hours of health and ease Devoted, Lord, to thee.
V. In griefs and pains thy sacred word, (Dear solace of my soul!) Celestial comforts can afford, And all their pow’r control.
VI. When present suff’rings pain my heart, Or future terrors rise, And light and hope almost depart From these dejected eyes,
VII. Thy pow’rful word supports my hope, Sweet cordial of the mind! And bears my fainting spirit up, And bids me wait resign’d.
VIII. And O, whate’er of earthly bliss Thy sov’reign hand denies, Accepted at thy throne of grace, Let this petition rise:
IX. “Give me a calm, a thankful heart, From ev’ry murmur free; The blessings of thy grace impart, And let me live to thee.”
X. “Let the sweet hope that thou art mine, My path of life attend; Thy presence through my journey shine, And bless its happy end.”
Today the shortened version of this hymn, entitled Father, Whate’er of Earthly Bliss, is more often in use. Both are beautiful, although I’m partial to the longer version. I couldn’t find the longer version being song, so here’s a choir singing the shorter version.
Tulips & Honey 