Hi friends – this is a quick note to say you can now find all the songs saved to a Youtube playlist here. The playlist will be updated every Sunday evening. Enjoy!
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Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendour
Merry Christmas to all of you! As we ponder on the wonder and blessedness of the birth of our saviour Jesus, it’s only right that we have a hymn that mediates on the gift that is Christ. Today’s hymn was written by Frank Houghton (1894–1972), an American Anglican bishop and the director of China Inland Mission – the ministry founded by Hudson Taylor. This hymn was written in 1934, at a particularly difficult time in the history of the missions to China; as well as other sorrows, in this same year John and Betty Stam were captured in Anhwei and beheaded. After hearing of this, Frank Houghton decided to begin a tour through the country to visit various missionaries, despite how dangerous it was. While traveling over the mountains of Szechwan, the powerful and comforting words of 2 Corinthians 8:9, “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor,” were transformed into this lovely Christmas hymn1. May these words bring a comfort to you also this Christmas season; enjoy!
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love’s sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender,
Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love’s sake becomes poor.
Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love’s sake becamest man;
Stooping so low, but sinners raising
Heavenwards by thine eternal plan.
Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love’s sake becamest man.
Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Saviour and King, we worship thee.
Emmanuel, within us dwelling,
Make us what thou wouldst have us be.
Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Saviour and King, we worship thee.
1https://reformationbiblecollege.org/blog/beyond-all-splendor-a-favorite-christmas-hymn
I Must Tell Jesus (Repost)
Hello friends, old and new! I wanted to share this hymn again, which I have already shared, since I was listening to it and meditating on the blessing of running to Jesus with all our burdens and troubles. As we gather on the Lord’s Day tomorrow, let us remember that God’s house is a house of prayer. Are you burdened and heavy laden? Run to Jesus. Are you sick or weary? Run to Jesus. Do you have many troubles that no-one either knows about or can do anything about? Run to Jesus. Just as this song reminds us, “Jesus can help me, Jesus alone”. Enjoy!
Today’s hymn is written by Elisha Hoffman (1839-1929), an American minister who wrote more than 2,000 gospel songs including “Leaning on the everlasting arms”. The story behind this hymn by the pastor-composer was told to another gospel composer, Charles Gabriel, in 1916: “While I was a pastor at Lebanon, Pa., I called one day at the home of a parishioner and found the lady in great distress and sorrow. Wringing her hands, she cried: “What shall I do—what shall I do?” I replied, “You cannot do better than to take it all to Jesus—you must tell Jesus.” For a moment she seemed abstracted in meditation, then her face glowed, her eyes lighted up, and with animation she exclaimed, “Yes, I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus!”1 I hope you too can tell all your burdens to Jesus; enjoy!
I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.
Refrain
I must tell Jesus!
I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus!
I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.
I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end. [Refrain]
Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share. [Refrain]
O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the vict’ry to win. [Refrain]
I Could Not Do Without Thee
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O Tell Me No More
Today’s hymn was sent to me by a sweet sister from Ryan Bush’s podcast “Gospel Portions“, a podcast with “reminders of the gospel that was preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, that you may hold fast to the word preached to you.” I even more so enjoyed this acapalla cover by Cades Cove Baptist Church. Enjoy!
O tell me no more of this world’s vain store,
The time for such trifles with me now is o’er’
A country I’ve found where true joys abound,
To dwell I’m determined on that happy ground.
No mortal doth know what Christ will bestow,
What life strength and comfort! go after him, go!
Lo, onward I move, to see Christ above,
None guesses how wondrous my journey will prove.
Great spoils I shall win from death, hell and sin,
‘Midst outward afflictions shall feel Christ within;
And still, which is best, I in his dear breast,
As at the beginning, find pardon and rest.
When I am to die, “Receive me,” I’ll cry,
For Jesus hath loved me, I cannot tell why.
But this I do find, we two are so joined,
He’ll not live in glory and leave me behind;
This blessing is mine, through favor divine,
And O, my dear Jesus, the praise shall be thine
In heaven we’ll meet in harmony sweet,
And glory to Jesus! we’ll then be complete.
The Believer’s Danger, Safety and Duty
Today’s hymn comes from my favourite hymn writer, John Newton. In Olney HymnS, this hymn is prefaced with Luke 22:31-32: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” May you remember that the Lord Jesus himself is praying for you so that you may win the battle against sin; enjoy!
Simon, beware! the Saviour said,
Satan, your subtle foe,
Already has his measures laid
Your soul to overthrow.
He wants to sift you all, as wheat,
And thinks his vict’ry sure;
But I his malice will defeat,
My prayer shall faith secure.
Believers, tremble and rejoice,
Your help and danger view;
This warning has to you a voice,
This promise speaks to you.
Satan beholds, with jealous eye,
Your privilege and joy;
He’s always watchful, always nigh,
To tear and to destroy.
But Jesus lives to intercede,
That faith may still prevail,
He will support in time of need,
And Satan’s arts shall fail.
Yet, let us not the warning slight,
But watchful still be found;
Though faith cannot be slain in fight,
It may receive a wound.
While Satan watches, dare we sleep?
We must our guard maintain;
But, Lord, do thou the city keep,
Or else we watch in vain.
Make Me A Captive, Lord
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Lead Us In Your Truth
Today’s song comes from my favourite group, Emu Music. Augustine is credited with writing that “he who sings, prays twice”, which I deeply resonate with – my favourite songs and hymns are those which are prayers to God, where you are not only declaring truth but speaking directly to God. How much more beautiful when more than one voice joins in the song of prayer! I think you’ll enjoy this one!
God of earth and heaven, maker of mankind
You spoke creation into life
Your word at the beginning, breaking through the dark
You wrote your law upon our hearts
Refrain
Lead us in your truth, God, teach us of your grace
Change us by your Spirit to live for you
Fill us with your love, Lord, guide us in your ways
The words you speak are faithful and ever true, help us live for you
Came to dwell among us, from the Father’s side
The glory of our saviour Christ
Author of salvation, full of truth and grace
You speak the words of lasting life [Refrain]
The grass will fade and wither, flowers wilt and fall
Your word endures forevermore
Your promises unchanging, your wisdom never fails
Calling us to stand by faith [Refrain]
Hold Me Saviour
Today’s hymn is performed by Skye Peterson and Sandra McCracken, who co wrote this song with Ben Shive and Bryan Fowler. The song brings varied perspectives to the plea, “Hold me savior now and ever, Lord let your goodness go with me.” I hope this is your plea today too; enjoy!
Hold me Saviour, lest I wander
Never let me stray
When my heart is heavy laden
help me bear the weight
May my burden bring me
Closer to Your side
Every lack that leads to worship
Is a precious prize
Refrain
Hold me Saviour
now and ever
Lord let Your goodness
go with me
Guide and keep me
Gently lead me
Your presence with me
is my peace
Guide me, Saviour, let Your nearness,
Cheer me every hour
Show me marvels of Your mercy
wonders of Your power
By Your streams of water
Lead me through this land
Joys await me on the way
And home is near at hand
Refrain
Keep me, Saviour, to the finish
Faithful till the end
When I’ll sing “there never was
A truer, better friend”
Through the gates of glory
Lead me all the way
There my faith will turn to sight
And prayer will turn to praise
Refrain
Guarding the Eyegate
Hi friends! Thank you for your patience as I continue to adjust to life with 2 lovely girls 🙂 From August, Lord willing, I will be back to regular posting. In the meantime, I wanted to share this poem I found on Precept Austin, as I was studying Proverbs 4. I hope this poem will help you think about guarding your own eyes, ears, mind and heart this weekend, and setting your gaze on Christ and the things above; enjoy!
Oh, the eyes, the soul’s clear gate,
Through which desires infiltrate.
A fleeting glance, a subtle snare,
Can lead the heart to dark despair.
Guard your gaze, let virtue reign,
Turn from sights that lead to pain.
For what you see can plant a seed,
Of either joy or sinful greed.
If your eye should tempt your heart,
To stray from truth, to sin’s dark art,
Pluck it out, the Saviour pleads,
Lest it guide to hell’s dire deeds.
The cost of purity may seem steep,
To shield your soul, the watch must keep.
But better the sacrifice today,
Than lose eternity’s bright ray.
Fix your eyes on what is pure,
On heaven’s treasures that endure.
Let light, not darkness, fill your sight,
And lead you to the path of right.
For through the gate of guarded view,
Flows life that’s holy, just, and true.
So guard it well, this sacred door,
And find His peace forevermore.
A Precious Hope for Wand’ring Sheep
Hi friends, it’s been a few weeks since I have posted since I am recovering from giving birth to our second daughter, Zoe! Praise God we are all doing well and adjusting to our new life, and so the regular posts will resume within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime I wanted to share this song with you. It was written by a pastor with a desire to encourage the sheep under his care to find hope and assurance in the Great Shepherd. The song is meant to declare the glorious promises of salvation for all who place their faith in Christ. I hope it’s a comfort to you today; enjoy!
A precious hope for wand’ring sheep
It’s not our goodness that redeems
God’s love compelled His mercy flow
O’er every failure grace is shown
A precious hope for wand’ring sheep
To turn from sin is to be free
Bid heavy doubts and fears depart
Through holy joy and godward hearts
Not abandoned, not alone
The Good Shepherd holds His own
Eternal life, eternal joy
Jesus our hope, forevermore
A precious hope for wand’ring sheep
The Father’s grip will never cease
Our name He calls and bids us come
We hear His voice, He loses none
A precious hope for wand’ring sheep
All Christ died for He will keep
When sinful hearts seem to escape
Still Christ pursues all His who’ve strayed
Not abandoned, not alone
The Good Shepherd holds His own
Eternal life, eternal joy
Jesus our hope, forevermore
A precious hope for wand’ring sheep
The Spirit’s work, He will complete
Our weary souls He seals and holds
Until He brings us safely home
Hymn of the Day 