• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer, Legal and Media Kit
  • Blog
  • Contact me

A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

  • Art
  • Blogging Helps
  • Faith
  • Homeschooling
  • Poetry
  • Recipes
  • Reviews
  • Writing

Music

If You But Trust in God to Guide You

February 28, 2021 By Annette1 Leave a Comment

If you but trust in God to guide you, a song I’ve sung with thee’s and thou’s, and also with the more current you’s.   This song calls for us to trust in God faithfully. Sometimes we need to be patient within that trust, waiting for God to act.  We are called to follow God unsweringly, regardless of the situations he leads us into. 

If you but trust in God to guide you

Lyrics

If thou but trust in God to guide thee,
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee.
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that nought can move. 

What can these anxious cares avail thee,
These never-ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help, if thou bewail thee,
O’er each dark moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press
The heavier for our bitterness. 

Only be still and wait His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whate’er thy Father’s pleasure
And all-deserving love hath sent,
Nor doubt our inmost wants are known
To Him Who chose us for His own. 

He knows the time for joy, and truly
Will send it when He sees it meet.
When He hath tried and purged thee throughly
And finds thee free from all deceit;
He comes to thee all unaware
And makes thee own His loving care. 

Nor think amid the heat of trial
That God hath cast thee off unheard,
That He whose hopes meet no denial
Must surely be of God preferred;
Time passes and much change doth bring,
And sets a bound to everything. 

All are alike before the Highest.
‘Tis easy to our God, we know.
To raise thee up, though low thou liest,
To make the rich man poor and low;
True wonders still by Him are wrought
Who setteth up and brings to nought. 

Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving.
So do thine own part faithfully.
And trust His word ; though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee —
God never yet forsook at need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.

History and Author

Georg Neumark was a German poet and a composer of hymns.  This is his most famous song and was originally entitled Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten.  His studies in law got interrupted when he needed to flee due to war. He was able to finish, and even as he studied for the law he wrote more poetry and hymns.   

Twice he lost nearly all his possessions, once through robbery, the second time through fire.  In fact, after he lost all his possessions the first time and found himself in dire straits, he finally landed a job as a tutor.  This was when he wrote “If you but trust in God to Guide You”. 

Overtime his fortunes picked up and he was introduced to people who could help his career.   He died at age 60, in 1681. 

Thinking Deeper

Did you notice?   Both youtube videos contained different verses.  It was actually a bit of a challenge to choose lyrics because the hymn that I grew up with, was not in the preponderance of versions I found.   The second video actually contained a couple of the verses that I know. 

It’s one of the beauties of music right?  Take a tune, find words that fit the tune and sing praise to God. It’s also part of the frustration of singing songs out of different songbooks. Different editors keep different verses. And hymns get updated to current language sometimes changing word order and/or usage as well.

I know how much this frustrated me and I’m only in my mid-50’s. I wonder what it does to our faithful seniors when we change the words to the hymns they have sung for years?  Do we even consider them when we so blithely change songs to fit modern sensibilities?  I find it regretful. 

Filed Under: Faith, Homeschooling Tagged With: history, Hymn, Music

O God, Our Help in Ages Past

February 21, 2021 By Annette1 Leave a Comment

O God, Our help in ages past…. our hope for years to come… 

All I have to do is hear those first few words and in my mind I’m belting out the words in my slightly off-key voice.  Sitting here the thought makes me smile.  I think perhaps this was Mr. Watts goal.  Create simple tunes that help people long-term learn about the God they worship. 

O God our help in ages past

Lyrics

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:
 
Benearth the shadow of thy throne,
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
 
Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting thou art God,
To endless years the same.
 
A thousand ages in thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
 
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
 
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guide while troubles last,
And our eternal home!

Author and History

Isaac Watts was a prolific songwriter who was born in Southampton, England.  A congregation minister, hymn writer, theologian, and logician.

He once bemoaned the state of spiritual singing in church saying :  “To see the dull indifference, the negligent and thoughtless air that sits upon the faces of a whole assembly, while the psalm is upon their lips, might even tempt a charitable observer to suspect the fervency of their inward religion.”   He very much wanted people to pay attention to the words they lifted up in praise to God, ergo he wrote hymns.   Mr. Watts wrote some 750 hymns, in language that the common man could easily sing.

In 1703 he began suffering from a psychiatric illness which caused him to depend more and more upon his assistant when he was pastoring at London’s Mark Lane Independent Chapel.  He needed to resign in 1712. 

Other Isaac Watts Songs:

    • I sing the mighty power of God. 
    • From all that dwell below the skies.
    • Joy to the world. 
    • Am I soldier of the cross. 
    • When I survey the wondrous cross.

Thinking Deeper

So… do you see how God is your help and hope?  

I was talking with my mom the other day about how I have learned to trust God more deeply.  By seeing how his word has been lived out in the people in my life, the changes he wrought in them, to enable them to be people of God he has called them to be.  This, in me, builds trust.  It’s what God’s word does as well doesn’t it?

Shows us God in action in the lives of people. Shows how people can depend on God, and how God provides for his own throughout the years. 

So how have you seen God’s help in your life? What have you experienced that helps you to dwell securely in him?  In what ways have you been aware of his guiding hand? 

If you aren’t aware and would like to talk… I’m always happy to talk about the things of God with folk. 

Filed Under: Faith, Homeschooling Tagged With: faith, history, Hymn, Music

My Jesus, I love Thee

February 14, 2021 By Annette1 2 Comments

From my hymnal Lift Up Your hearts, (affiliate link) comes my hymn of the week My Jesus, I love thee.  I’ve known this hymn for a long time.  I was surprised to learn that it didn’t start out as a popular hymn.  Keep reading and you’ll learn what caused the change.  

My Jesus I love thee

Lyrics to My Jesus, I love Thee

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Author and History

 Will­iam R. Fea­ther­ston was only 16 years old when he penned this hymn.  Sometimes his name is spelled Featherstone.  Born in Montreal, Quebec he travelled to Toronto when he was 16 where he became a believer.  It is believed this Canadian wrote this hymn shortly thereafter. 

He sent the poem to his aunt who had it published as a hymn.  It wasn’t highly popular until evangelist Adoniram. J Gordon discovered the hymn.  He changed the tune of it, and ever since then, it’s been a favourite for many believers. 

Mr. Featherston lived 1846-1875, he died shortly before his 27th birthday.  He was married and had a son John.   We do not know much more about him.  This is the only hymn he wrote. 

Hymntime has an interesting story concerning this hymn. 

Scriptural Reference

I John 4:7-21

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

……. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.  17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us……. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Thinking Deeper

What a call in this song isn’t there?  The call to have a love that is devoted to Christ.  A love so rich that nothing will stop it. 

I love the assurance that Featherston has eh?  The knowledge he has that he loves God because God first loved him.  This is such a grounding needed in our faith.  It feeds our ability to love God throughout our entire life and to praise him in all things. 

Do you know this Jesus?  Do you love him whole-heartedly and forever like Featherston did?   Ask questions if you want to know more. 

Filed Under: Faith, Homeschooling Tagged With: faith, history, Hymn, hymns, Music

I Serve a Risen Saviour

February 7, 2021 By Annette1 2 Comments

I Serve a Risen Saviour, is also known by the title He Lives.   It’s a wonderful song to sing at Easter, but it was next in my hymnal so I figured it’s good to be reminded of our risen saviour any day of the year.  

I serve a risen saviour

Lyrics

I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He’s always near
 
Refrain:
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart
 
In all the world around me I see His loving care
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair
I know that He is leading, through all the stormy blast
The day of His appearing will come at last
 
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find
None other is so loving, so good and kind
 

Author and History

Presbyterian minister, Alfred  Henry Ackley, was born in 1887 in Pennsylvania. His father taught him music before he headed off to the Royal Academy Music in London.   Later he studied for the ministry at Westminster Theological Seminary in Maryland.  

As an ordained Presbyterian pastor he served churches in Pennsylvania and California.   Over the course of his life, he wrote some 1500 songs, some religious, others not. Part of his ministry involved working with evangelists Billy Sunday and Homer Rodeheaver. 

He wrote this song in response to a sermon entitled He Lives. I pulled this quote from hymn stories. 

“Mr. Ackley’s forthright, emphatic answer, together with his subsequent triumphant effort to win the man for Christ, flowered forth into song and crystallized into a convincing sermon on ‘He Lives!’ His keenly alert mind was sensitive to suggestions for sermons, and sermons in song. In his re-reading of the resurrection stories of the Gospels, the words ‘He is risen’ struck him with new meaning. From the thrill within his own soul came the convincing song–‘He Lives!’ The scriptural evidence, his own heart, and the testimony of history matched the glorious experience of an innumerable cloud of witnesses that ‘He Lives,’ so he sat down at the piano and voiced that conclusion in song. He says, ‘The thought of His ever-living presence brought the music promptly and easily.'”

Thinking Deeper

Rev. Ackley wrote this song when inspired by a sermon.  Have you ever been so inspired?   Not maybe to write a sermon, but to really act on what you have heard.  I know of people who hear a sermon and then KNOW they need to go the mission field.  Sermons have inspired me to write letters.  But I wonder… should we leave services inspired to do, and to be MORE?   We’re hearing God’s word explained, we’re with his people, shouldn’t we always be inspired when we leave a church service?  To do good, to be better, to act for God in more ways, and to change wrong ways within? 

Filed Under: Faith, Homeschooling Tagged With: faith, history, Hymn, hymns, Music

Because He Lives

January 31, 2021 By Annette1 2 Comments

As I was leafing through Lift Up Your Hearts (affiliate link) I noticed that they only had one verse of Because he Lives posted.  It got me thinking that there were more verses to this song, and that I knew them.   Lo and behold I was right!

because he lives

Lyrics for Because He Lives

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives
 
Refrain:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
 
How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy He gives
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain day, because He lives
 
And then one day, I’ll cross the river
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to victory
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He reigns
 
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
 
I am slowly making my way through this hymnal.

Author and History

Bill and Gloria Gaithers are the authors of this hymn Because he Lives.  The song above tells us that this song was inspired by their song, but as I researched it, I was led to believe otherwise. 

Because he lives came about as the result of pain and hardship in the Gaither family.  Difficulties in life, church, health, and on the political scene, etc.  Turmoil seemed to surround them.   

Apparently, a blade of grass pushing through concrete, coinciding with the birth of her son, helped her recall how God works in creation. God works in creation giving us hope throughout our days on earth.

Sources: 

  • Olean Times Herald
  • Discipleship Ministries. 
  • St. Augustine (baby origin)

Who are the Gaithers?  Authors of more than 700 songs of praise including Thanks to Calvary. They are members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as well as the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Americans, the Gaithers were married in 1962 after they met at Alexandria Monroe High School where they both had teaching jobs.  They are actively involved in the singing and creation of music and work to support families.  Gloria is the founder of Gaither Family Resources.

Lo

Looking Deeper

Often when I hold a baby bunny I am reminded of this lovely hymn from the Gaither’s.  Because you know… it is sweet to hold a newborn baby.  It was sweet to hold my son when he was a baby.  I was so delighted with him!  So much pride and joy and love felt. 

I love how this song puts newborn babies into a bigger context. The context of God’s grace, of his provision, of the certainty provided.  Isn’t that a huge thing?  We so often don’t stop to think about this, do we?   This immense gift from God to us, his children.  Giving us hope for our future. 

Filed Under: Faith, Homeschooling Tagged With: history, Hymn, hymns, Music

Rejoice Ye Pure In Heart

January 24, 2021 By Annette1 2 Comments

Oh boy, I played Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart before heading into London the day I wrote this and the tune was running through my head all afternoon. It’s not a bad thing at all, except I don’t know all the words so I found myself either repeating the same verse over and over again, or making up my own words.    Drives my hubby nuts when I do that, but you know what?  As long as you are praising the Lord does it matter if you using the words of the song or not?

Rejoice ye pure in heart

Lyrics to Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart

Rejoice ye pure in heart;
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
Your glorious banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your king.

Refrain

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.

Bright youth and snow crowned age,
Strong men and maidens meek,
Raise high your free, exultant song,
God’s wondrous praises speak.

Refrain

Yes onward, onward still
With hymn, and chant and song,
Through gate, and porch and columned aisle,
The hallowed pathways throng.

Refrain

With all the angel choirs,
With all the saints of earth,
Pour out the strains of joy and bliss,
True rapture, noblest mirth.

Refrain

Your clear hosannas raise;
And alleluias loud;
Whilst answering echoes upward float,
Like wreaths of incense cloud.

Refrain

With voice as full and strong
As ocean’s surging praise,
Send forth the hymns our fathers loved,
The psalms of ancient days.

Refrain

Yes, on through life’s long path,
Still chanting as ye go;
From youth to age, by night and day,
In gladness and in woe.

Refrain

Still lift your standard high,
Still march in firm array,
As warriors through the darkness toil,
Till dawns the golden day.

Refrain

At last the march shall end;
The wearied ones shall rest;
The pilgrims find their heavenly home,
Jerusalem the blessed.

Refrain

Then on, ye pure in heart!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing!
Your glorious banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your king.

Refrain

Praise Him who reigns on high,
The Lord whom we adore,
The Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
One God forevermore.

Author and History

Edward H Plumtre is the author of Rejoice ye pure in heart which was written in 1865.  The Peterborough Cathedral was hosting the  Pe­ter­bo­rough Cho­ral Fes­ti­val for which this hymn was written. 

Born in London in 1821, he became known as an excellent classical and biblical scholar.  He was well known within the church and the academic community.  Ordained within the Church of England he preached at Oxford and was a professor of pastoral theology at his alma mater King’s College. 

Rev. Plumtre was part of the committee that produced the Revised Version of the bible.  He was also a poet, hymnist, translator (from Greek and Latin classics) and author.   He passed away in 1891. 

Thinking about it

I was very surprised to see how many verses were actually written for Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart.   I grew up with the verses in purple, the hymnal I’m using only recognizes four verses. 

As I read through the verses I can really see the progression you know?  From youth to old, the pure in heart rejoicing in God.  It’s a good thing no?   Oh God is one to be praised!  Whether in good times or bad, he is worthy of all praise and glory. 

Filed Under: Faith, Homeschooling Tagged With: faith, history, Hymn, hymns, Music

O Jesus I Have Promised

January 17, 2021 By Annette1 2 Comments

I am about half way through Lift Up Your Hearts, a hymnal that I found on our bookshelves last time I tidied them up. It’s rather fun to go through different hymnbooks and see what songs I know.  Hymnbooks are so different from each other.  Today’s hymn is O Jesus I Have Promised.

I remember singing this hymn throughout my formative years, but it didn’t really strike me until I was in my 40’s.   Thinking about what the words we sing, what we promise when we lift our voices to God. 

Lyrics

O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.

O let me feel Thee near me!
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

O let me hear Thee speaking
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self will.
O speak to reassure me,
To hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
Thou guardian of my soul.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be.
And Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My master and my friend.

O let me see Thy footprints,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
O guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then in Heav’n receive me,
My Savior and my friend.

This is the tune I grew up with

Author and History

The occasion of a confirmation service for children (daughter and sons) created the impetuous for O Jesus I have Promised to be written.  Joh E Bode was the pastor in Castle Camps parish in Cambridgeshire, England.  This song was written just for them. 

In fact, it became so popular that the leadership in the Church of England told people to stop using it for confirmation services.  🙂   It was published in 1869 in in the ap­pendix of Psalms and Hymns of the So­ci­e­ty for the Pro­pa­ga­tion of Chris­tian Know­ledge.

London born, Mr. Bode became in1841. He not only served as vicar in Castle Camp but also in Westwell, Oxfordshire.    In 1855 he delivered the prestigious Bampton Lectures at Oxford.  These lectures were later published as an anti-Catholicism tract.    He loved to write poetry and had hoped to be the Professor of Poetry at Oxford.  Fellow poet Matthew Arnold beat him out for the position by fellow poet Matthew Arnold. 

He wrote poetry and hymns throughout his life. Only a few of his hymns have withstood the test of time.  This one is his most beloved song. 

I am not familiar with tune at all.

Thinking about this Hymn

Bode didn’t write a whole lot of songs, but this particular hymn has stood the test of time. 

Just see the promises made: 

O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.

The promises made of service, the awareness of who Jesus is, and the forthcoming troubles one gets as a believer.  Nothing to fear if Christ is there. How if we depend upon the Lord, we will stay the course.  

I can clearly see why people would want this for a confirmation Sunday. I would want to sing if I was declaring new faith in the Lord.  But isn’t it a good hymn of praise for like literally anytime?  To remember that Jesus is the guardian of our souls?  It’s a fantastic reminder and a call to our hearts to recall the goodness of the Lord we call our own. 

Filed Under: Faith, Homeschooling Tagged With: faith, history, Hymn, hymns, Music

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 28
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

ABOUT ME

I am centered by the love of God and family. Smiles are brought about being a Writer, Poet, Hiker and reader. Growth occurs as I educate my son, raise him up in the fear of the Lord, love up on my critters and live as a pastor’s wife.

Want to Stay Informed?

Subscribe and I’ll shoot you an email once a week.


Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.



Recent Posts

  • If You But Trust in God to Guide You
  • Marie’s Ocean
  • How best to Enable
  • Review: Personal Finance Lab
  • Perfect Indoor Games

Recent Comments

  • Annette1 on How best to Enable
  • Sandra K Stein on How best to Enable
  • Annette1 on How best to Enable
  • Annette1 on How best to Enable
  • Annette1 on How best to Enable

Archives

Categories

  • Art
  • Art Books
  • Blogging Helps
  • Faith
  • Homeschooling
  • Poetry
  • Recipes
  • Reviews
  • Uncategorized
  • Writing

Footer

Amazon Affiliate information

A Net in Time is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

Tinker Crate Affiliate

Copyright © 2021 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time · Lifestyle Pro - Child Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in