faith

Saviour Like a Shepherd Lead Us

October 25, 2020 By Annette1 4 Comments

Saviour like a shepherd lead us is a song that I have sung several times since a child. I was searching for hymn to post for today in Lift Up Your Hearts and this one lept out at me. It didn’t take long and I was singing it out (good thing hubby wasn’t home to shush me eh?) 🙂

Lyrics

Saviour, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
We will early turn to Thee.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
We will early turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.

History and Author

The authorship of Saviour like a shepherd lead us has been attributed to Dorothy Ann Thrupp. Born and raised in England, she has written a few hymns which were found in a number of hymnals.

She is the daughter of Joseph Thrupp of Paddington Green. Two brothers rounded out the family. She predominately wrote children’s hymns, and wrote for children’s magazines.

Ponderings

As I listened to the hymn being played on the piano I pondered how much we take these words to heart.

Saviour, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;

Do we really think of how much we need to the Lord? His leadership, his care, his protection and so forth? Do we take him for granted or really trust in his care for us?

Rain, God Reign

October 19, 2020 By Annette1 4 Comments

Rain, God Reign. I know, it’s a catchy phrase but seriously? You may be thinking, “Whatever!” I would have at one point been very cynical.

But I am here to tell you, the title is real.

Rain comes. We equate rain with bad times. We’ve all heard the saying, “When it rains, it pours.” Referring to one bout of bad news after another. There’s been a close death in the family, doctor’s prognosis, vehicle dies, evicted, and we all know the list doesn’t stop there.

One thing after another come at you. You are exhausted from the rain of life on you. It’s not easy.

I know that feeling as well.

We have all been there, and some are there right now. Please don’t quit, and don’t despair.

Here’s a secret…

Did you know this also happened to Jesus? For real.

bible book business christian — Photo by John-Mark Smith on Pexels.com

Examples from Jesus’ life

If we look in Luke 8:22-56 Jesus is dealing with a lot!

This passage starts with Him and His disciples crossing the lake. A storm blows in, and instead of taking the teachings of Jesus to heart, they freak out. (my words). Jesus spent all this time teaching and training them and they still didn’t get the message. He is sleeping on the boat when the storm blows in. Let me repeat that…. Jesus is sleeping. As the storm blows in, the disciples think they are going to die and call out for Jesus. They call out to Him and asks Him if He cares. So Jesus got up and calmed the storm. (There are a lot of amazing lessons in those last two lines – but I don’t want to get distracted)!

Then after the disciples had a freak attack about the storm, Jesus is now greeted on the shore with a demon-possessed man. They go back across the lake, and the people are waiting for Jesus. This means that before Jesus can catch a breath, He is ministering to the people waiting for him.

While in the middle of all this, a man named Jarius comes to Jesus and falling at His feet, tells Jesus his daughter is dying. Now as the man is talking, Jesus feels power go out of Him, as a woman touches His hem. While Jesus is dealing with the woman, a messenger comes to relate that the daughter of Jarius is dead. The Lord Jesus is finished blessing the woman, and now turns to Jarius, and goes to His home. Jesus gets laughed at when He said the girl is only sleeping. More rain. That did not stop Him from raising her up though.

This all happened in roughly a twelve-hour period.

Later on, you’ll find Jesus exhausted, alone in the garden, his disciples not staying up with Him. You’ll find him betrayed. Jesus in pain. Even though he knew this betrayal was coming, it would still ache. Arrested, tried, scourged, beaten, crucified. More rain.

abstract art artistic autumn — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Rain, God Reign

Rain.

Jesus knows well the rains of life.

He also knew His Father. He knew His God Reigns.

He did not get down in the dumps and stay there. Jesus did not climb under a rock and hide. He looked after each and every situation, knowing God Reigns.

It is the same with us.

When circumstances hit hard and you don’t know what to do, you don’t want to get out of bed, or face the world. And when anxiety threatens to drown you; Remember, Your God Reigns.

If you are not sure if He reigns over you, ask Him to. Ask Him to Reign in your life. Every problem will not go away, but if we look at the storm scenario, He calmed the storm. Sometimes in my life, He has calmed me instead of the storm.

So in difficult times when the rain of life and living is hitting hard, remember; God’s Reign in your life is bigger than the rain of life.

Rain, God Reign!

Hold Fast

October 16, 2020 By Annette1 12 Comments

It’s five minute Friday again, aren’t you delighted? I saw the word prompt from Miss Kate this morning, it’s HOLD. So have been pondering it for the past two hours. I’ve been considering such ideas as hold fast, will your anchor hold, staying steadfast etc. We’ll have to see where my thoughts take me yet.

Hold defined

Noun: grasp, carry, or support with one’s arms or hands.
Noun: keep or detain (someone)
Verb: an act or manner of grasping something; a grip.
Verb: power or control.

Hold Fast

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!

That grounding holds us.
The love of God that is.
Just as our parents love keeps
Us secure when we are tots.

How does this transition as we mature?
How does one hold on to
an anchor when persuasions
around us lay?

Wisdom speaks to us
Reminding us to hold on
to the truths we learned as tots.
Clinging securely to love.

To hold fast means
we take action. It’s not a
blind autonamic function.
Purposeful, determined, reasoned.

Choices made
Will we hold fast to the
one who holds fast to us?
Steady, sure, determined, without fail?

Wisdom demands
Putting knowledge to sure use.
Intelligence mixed with emotion.
The provides an anchor surely needed.

Faith is action taken
a trust given to
a sure foundation.
God, our hold fast.

Seeking the Things of God

October 12, 2020 By Annette1 12 Comments

Yesterday in church pastor was speaking about gratefulness and how it’s often a matter of perspective. I’ve continued to ponder that whole matter of perspective and how much it matters when we look at the things of God. Today’s challenge from the crew is the Wonderful Blessings of God. God blesses us in so many different ways we don’t always make note of them. Often our perspective skews what we are looking at when we are seeking the things of God.

Today I thought I’d talk about how perspective matters when things happen in life. And how by shifting it, we can see God’s blessing upon us.

Seeking after the things of God, text over bible

Seeking the Things Of God

Mom’s Story

Seeing God’s blessings in life is often what I call looking for the God-moments. Those moments, where you know that God intervened, at just the right time. Or that he met a need even before you knew you need it.

This Thanksgiving weekend we got together with my mom. She was telling us a moment where God intervened before she knew the need. Here she was, a young woman in her early 20’s, she wanted to travel to Canada. She was all set to go on her own, one of her uncles said “Oh, I want to go to Canada too, shall we travel there together by boat?” Mom agreed and so plans were made. When they arrived his people came to collect him but the people who were supposed to pick her up did not. Since his people were there they then offered to take her. It was out of their way but they made sure she got there safe and sound. She remembers knowing that was God at work. Keeping her safe and sound in a brand new country where she knew very little English.

Story from Church

Pastor mentioned this story at church this morning. I can’t remember all the details as to who said this, but there was a fellow who was robbed and he mentioned how in it he saw the blessings of God.

They didn’t get much.
He wasn’t killed.
It was him and not someone else.
He wasn’t the robber.

Isn’t that a great perspective? Flipping it on it’s head, and seeing the other side of it all? What a great way to see the blessings of God eh?

I don’t know about you but I want to be more like that eh? Seeing the good so much more than I see the bad.

A Direct Need Answered

I’m sure we have all heard these stories, about how God answers prayer. When you have rent due and you know you are short on funds, and somehow the needed funds end up in your bank account. Or the bag of food that ends up on your doorstep when your fridge is empty? What about those times when

Recently I was thinking through a situation we have here at home and wondering if I needed to consider Jesus first. And then I opened a box from Amazon about the inerrancy of scripture. I had purchased this book because I was strongly advised to do so, I had not researched it, and guess what? The author approaches this topic by looking at Jesus. It’s known that he existed through other historical records other than the bible. So it’s a different approach that fits into where I thought God was leading me. Wasn’t that timely?

Hurts that Open Doors

We’ve recently had a hurt in our family. It’s caused some issues. I think some of it has been part of Covid fallout, some of it just … stuff. Anyways, it’s created this good-hard thing. The other day on the way home from church I mentioned to my son that I never thought I’d be grateful for this hurt.

But this hurt has taught me compassion, understanding, and new skills. It’s deepened my prayer life and broadened my understanding of the things of God.

The other day a dear lady invited me into her home. She knew of a need I had and said “I can help with that!” So off I went, I had a blast, she had a blast. We laughed and chatted over a light lunch. Needs were met. She kept saying “I don’t know why I’m telling you this Annette”. But I knew. I was there to listen, and she was there to encourage. It’s one of those moments where my hurt helped to translate for her, her hurt. Sorta the same, but yet… different. But a compassion I hadn’t really known before shone through and God was good. So very good.

How about you?

I LOVE to hear stories of how God met people when they least expected it, or most needed it. Those “God-moments”. What are some of your seeking the things of God moments? Would you mind sharing them with me? Let us be an encouragement to those around hmmm?

I heard the Voice of Jesus Say

October 4, 2020 By Annette1 8 Comments

Back in Sept 2014 I did my first hymn Study. I started with I Heard the voice of Jesus Say. Every other week (as time permits) I hope to bring back some of those earlier hymn studies and share new thoughts about them.

Lyrics

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down
Thy head upon My breast.
I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place,
And He has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one,
Stoop down, and drink, and live.
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
I am this dark world’s Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise,
And all thy day be bright.
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In Him my star, my sun;
And in that light of life I’ll walk,
Till traveling days are done.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
My Father’s house above
Has many mansions; I’ve a place
Prepared for you in love.
I trust in Jesus—in that house,
According to His word,
Redeemed by grace, my soul shall live
Forever with the Lord.

This is the tune that I am familiar with.

The Author and History of I heard the voice of Jesus Say

Scotman Horatius Bonar was born in 1808 and began writing hymns for youth when he entered the ministry (originally as a Sunday school superintendent). Over time he started writing hymns for adults as well. He ministered for 28 years in Kelso as part of the Free Church of Scotland. He finished his ministerial career in Chalmers Memorial Church in Edinburgh.

He wrote over 600 hymns over the years, and is often referred to as “the prince of Scottish hymn writers”. For a full list of the hymns, he wrote please visit the cyber hymnal.

Other Bonar Songs I have featured

I have had this version before, the tune always strikes me as unique.

Additional Thoughts

I don’t know the fourth verse, do you? It’s something I’m always surprised by, the verses I don’t know that are actually part of the original song.

As I read these words I ponder what I have heard Jesus say.

“Peace, be still”.
“Remember I am God”
“Relax, I’ve got this”
“My child, hush, be calm”

This morning in church we were reminded that we need to hold on to the proper path to wisdom, to knowing God. To stay on that path. We do this by clinging to the instruction we’ve received. In Psalm 119:72 we read “The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold”. Do we hold to that? Do we hear Jesus reminding us of the truth of God’s words to us?

What does he say to you?

Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sunshine In

September 13, 2020 By Annette1 8 Comments

I grew up listening to “Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sunshine In” on a record. There was a lady who had a child-sounding voice when she sang, she put together a few recordings of faith-based songs for children. She saw it as a ministry she was uniquely qualified for.

Lyrics

Mommy told me something a little kid should know.
It’s all about the devil and I’ve learned to hate him so.
She said he causes trouble when you let him in the room.
He will never ever leave you if your heart is filled with gloom.

So let the sun shine in, face it with a grin.
Smilers never lose and frowners never win.
So let the sun shine in, face it with a grin
Open up your heart and let the sun shine in.

When you are unhappy, the devil wears a grin
But oh, he starts a-running when the light comes pouring in
I know he’ll be unhappy ’cause I’ll never wear a frown
Maybe if we keep on smiling he’ll get tired of hanging ’round.

So let the sun shine in, face it with a grin.
Smilers never lose and frowners never win.
So let the sun shine in, face it with a grin
Open up your heart and let the sun shine in.

If I forget to say my prayers the devil wears a grin.
But he feels so awful awful when he sees me on my knees
So if you’re full of trouble and you never seem to win,
Just open up your heart and let the sun shine in.

So let the sun shine in, face it with a grin.
Smilers never lose and frowners never win.
So let the sun shine in face it with a grin
Open up your heart and let the sun shine in.

Song written by Stuart Hamblen

The Author of Let the Sunshine In

Stuart Hamblen grew up in a home of a travelling Methodist preacher. He became the world’s first singing cowboy and was in several movies. He not only composed more than 225 gospel songs, but wrote western songs as well. Mr. Hamblen was the first man to fly a horse, flying his racehorse EL LOBO from Los Angeles to Bay Meadows, forever changing the horse racing world.

He was not always a believer, despite his godly upbringing, he came to faith later in life. He not only raced horses, appeared in movies, wrote songs, did rodeo but also had a radio career. This on top of his degree in education. This Texan was also a band leader. Mr. Hamblen married Suzanne Obee and eventually had two daughters.

Connections

I have to admit when I read all the things that Stuart Hamblen did I was quite impressed. But when I read how his dad was a preacher, but that Stuart didn’t come to faith until later in life, my heart was encouraged.

Some kids do this, they slide away from the faith. Through God’s gift to us of free will, sometimes poor decisions are made. AND YET… God can still work in hearts and lives. One can cling to those promises.

Thinking back to this song I can’t say I agree with all the words

“Smilers never lose and frowners never win”, that phrase has my guard going up. Whether one smiles or frowns doesn’t affect the outcome of long-term life choices. It might affect the here and now, and is really not a bad thing to encourage is it?

I do like how we are invited to remember how much the devil dislikes it when we pray. Prayer is our battle cry. We’d do well to remember it! 🙂

O Word of God Incarnate

September 6, 2020 By Annette1 2 Comments

I originally wrote about this hymn, O Word of God Incarnate, back in July 2016! Wow! I’ve been sharing a Sunday song for quite a while haven’t I? 🙂

Lyrics to O Word of God Incarnate

1 O Word of God incarnate,
O Wisdom from on high,
O Truth unchanged, unchanging,
O Light of our dark sky:
we praise you for the radiance
that from the Scripture’s page,
a lantern to our footsteps,
shines on from age to age.

2 The church from you, dear Master,
received the gift divine;
and still that light is lifted
o’er all the earth to shine.
It is the chart and compass
that all life’s voyage through,
mid mists and rocks and quicksands,
still guides, O Christ, to you.

I found two versions for the third verse:
The Scripture is a banner
before God’s host unfurled;
It is a shining Beacon
above the darkling world.
It is the Chart and Compass
that over life’s surging tide,
Mid mists and rocks and quicksands
, to You, O Christ, will guide.

OR this one which we sing in our church
It floateth like a banner
  Before God’s host unfurled;
It shineth like a beacon
  Above the darkling world;
It is the chart and compass
  That, o’er life’s surging sea,
’Mid mists and rocks and quicksands
  Still guide, O Christ, to Thee.

4 O make your church, dear Savior,
a lamp of burnished gold
to bear before the nations
your true light as of old.
O teach your wandering pilgrims
by this our path to trace
till, clouds and darkness ended,
we see you face to face.

Author and History

Poor Man’s bishop, William Walsham How was born in 1823. This son of William Wybergh How, was educated at Shrewsbury School and Wadham College, Oxford (B.A. 1845).

How chose to serve in the poor of London, living in the slums and rejecting offers to serve in more prestigious churches. Authoring several books such as the Commentary of the Four Gospels and Plain Words for Children.

Bishop How wrote 54 hymns altogether. He said, “A good hymn should be like a good prayer—simple, real, earnest, and reverent.” (source)

Thinking Deeper

Do you believe in the truth of scripture? Do you see the truth of who Jesus is? Jesus, God’s word, born into flesh! Do you see how he minds his people, the church? How do we respond to that?

Do we work to become the people he wants us to be? Do we actually try to be the burnished lamp we sing about? Do we really try to bring light to the world around us?

Some songs remind us, don’t they? Remind us of the call placed on our lives, and how we are to be as a light to the world around us.

faith

Saviour Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Lyrics

History and Author

Ponderings

Rain, God Reign

Examples from Jesus’ life

Rain, God Reign

Hold Fast

Hold Fast

Seeking the Things of God