Today’s hymn comes from Isaac Watts, centred around the eternal majesty of Yahweh. Surely meditating on the wonderful characteristics of our God will fill your heart with praise? Enjoy below a short meditation about this hymn from Alistair Begg.
The Lord eternal reigns, his throne is built on high; the kingly robes he wears are light and majesty: his glories shine with beams so bright no mortal eye can bear the sight.
The thunders of his hand keep the wide world in awe; his wrath and justice stand to guard his holy law; and where his love resolves to bless his truth confirms and seals the grace.
Through all his mighty works amazing wisdom shines, confounds the powers of hell and breaks their cursed designs; strong is his arm, and shall fulfil his great decrees and sovereign will.
And can this glorious King to human hearts descend? And will he write his name my Father and my friend? I love his name, I love his word; let all my being praise the Lord!
Today’s hymn comes from Irishman George Wade Robinson (1838-1877). He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and New College, St. John’s Wood, London. He entered the Congregational Ministry, and was co-pastor at York Street Chapel, Dublin, with Dr. Urwick; then pastor at St. John’s Wood, at Dudley, and at Union Street, Brighton. He published two volumes of poems, which included this one1. Rejoice in our Saviour’s love with this one; enjoy!
Loved with everlasting love, drawn by grace that love to know, Spirit sent from Christ above, thou dost witness it is so. O this full and precious peace from his presence all divine; in a love that cannot cease, I am his and he is mine.
Heav’n above is deeper blue, earth around is sweeter green, that which glows in ev’ry hue Christless eyes have never seen. Birds in song his glories show, flow’rs with richer beauties shine since I know, as now I know, I am his and he is mine.
Taste the goodness of the Lord: welcomed home to his embrace, all his love, as blood outpoured, seals the pardon of his grace. Can I doubt his love for me, when I trace that love’s design? By the cross of Calvary I am his and he is mine.
His forever, only his– who the Lord and me shall part? Ah, with what a rest of bliss Christ can fill the loving heart. Heav’n and earth may fade and flee, firstborn light in gloom decline, but while God and I shall be, I am his and he is mine.
Today’s hymn comes from Frances Havergal (1836-1879), a daughter of an English minister, who loved to write hymns, including “Take my life and let it be”. The subject of her hymns often centre around “free and full salvation, through the Redeemer’s merits, for every sinner who will receive it, and her life was devoted to the proclamation of this truth by personal labours, literary efforts, and earnest interest in Foreign Missions.”1 This hymn is a hymn for the start of a New Year and I hope you have the same earnest prayer; enjoy!
Jesus, blessed Saviour, help us now to raise Songs of glad thanksgiving, songs of holy praise. Oh, how kind and gracious Thou hast always been! Oh, how many blessings every day has seen! Jesus, blessed Saviour, now our praises hear, For Thy grace and favour crowning all the year.
Jesus, holy Saviour, only Thou canst tell How we often stumbled, how we often fell! All our sins (so many!) Saviour, Thou dost know: In Thy blood most precious wash us white as snow. Jesus, blessed Saviour, keep us in Thy fear, Let Thy grace and favour pardon all the year.
Jesus, loving Saviour, only Thou dost know All that may befall us as we onward go; So we humbly pray Thee, take us by the hand, Lead us ever upward to the better land. Jesus, blessed Saviour, keep us ever near, Let Thy grace and favour shield us all the year.
Jesus, precious Saviour, make us all Thine own, Make us Thine forever, make us Thine alone. Let each day, each moment of this glad new year, Be for Jesus only, Jesus, Savior dear. Then, O blessed Saviour, never need we fear: For Thy grace and favour crown our bright New Year.
Today’s hymn is mission focused and comes from Arthur Campbell Ainger (1894-1919), a son of an Anglican priest. He attended Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge (BA 1860, MA 1864), and became a schoolmaster at Eton from 1864-1901. He wrote the text (as well as numerous others) for use by the boys at Eton College. Dedicated to Edward W. Benson, Archbishop of Canterbury, the text was first issued as a leaflet and then published in the Hymn Book of the Church Missionary Society (1899)1. I’ve included below a traditional version and a modern rendition; I hope you enjoy this one!
God is working this purpose out, as year succeeds to year; God is working this purpose out, and the time is drawing near; nearer and nearer draws the time, the time that shall surely be: when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.
From utmost east to utmost west, where human feet have trod, by the mouth of many messengers goes forth the voice of God: “Give ear to me, ye continents, ye isles, give ear to me, that the earth may be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.”
Let us go forth in the strength of God, with the banner of Christ unfurled, that the light of the glorious gospel of truth may shine throughout the world. Let us all fight with sorrow and sin to set the captives free, that the earth may be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.
All we can do is nothing worth unless God blesses the deed. Vainly we hope for the harvest-tide till God gives life to the seed. Yet nearer and nearer draws the time, the time that shall surely be, when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.
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]
Today’s hymn comes from Anne Cousin (1824-1906). Anne was the daughter of a doctor, and wife of William Cousin, pastor of the Free Church of Melrose, Scotland. She contributed many poems to various periodicals and four of her hymns were included in the 1876 Scottish Presbyterian Hymnal. Gospel singer Ira Sankey shared this story regarding this hymn: “A young officer in the British army turned away in horror from the doctrine of this hymn. His pride revolted, his self righteousness rose in rebellion, and he said: He would be a coward indeed who would go to heaven at the cost of another! As the years rolled away, this man rose to distinction and high rank in the army, and he also learned wisdom. In his last hours, as he lay on his deathbed, he repeatedly begged those near him to sing O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head, calling it, My hymn, my hymn!”1 Enjoy!
O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head! Our load was laid on Thee; Thou stoodest in the sinner’s stead, Didst bear all ill for me; A Victim led, Thy blood was shed, Now there’s no load for me. A Victim led, Thy blood was shed, Now there’s no load for me.
The curse of death was in our cup: The cup was full for Thee; But Thou hast drained the last dark drop, And emptied it for me. That bitter cup, love drank it up; There is no curse for me. That bitter cup, love drank it up; There is no curse for me.
Jehovah raised the rod to smite; The blow returned on Thee; Upon Thy form did it alight, And passed away from me; Thy soul so white did wrath affright, There is no wrath for me. Thy soul so white did wrath affright, There is no wrath for me.
The tempest’s awful voice was heard, Its thunders broke on Thee! Thy open bosom was my ward, And it protected me; Thy body scarred, Thy visage marred, There is no storm for me. Thy body scarred, Thy visage marred, There is no storm for me.
For us, Lord Jesus, hast Thou died, That we might die in Thee; But Thou art raised and glorified, And livest now in me; Hell’s host defied! heav’n open wide! There is no death for me. Hell’s host defied! heav’n open wide! There is no death for me
Today’s hymn comes from a collaboration with Chris Anderson and Bob Kauflin from Sovereign Grace. “Written in 2017 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation…the song highlights the 5 Solas of the Reformation—Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone)—and gives a nod to the great hymn writer Martin Luther by pointing worshipers to Christ.”1 Enjoy!
We will trust God’s Word alone, Where his perfect will is known; Our traditions shift like sand While his Truth forever stands.
We will live by faith alone, Clothed in merit not our own; All we claim is Jesus Christ And his finished sacrifice.
Refrain: Glory be, glory be to God alone, Through the church he redeemed and made his own. He has freed us, he will keep us till we’re safely home Glory be, glory be to God alone!
We are saved by grace alone— Undeserved, yet freely shown; No accomplishment on earth Can achieve the second birth.
We will stand on Christ alone, The unyielding Cornerstone; Nations rage and devils roar, Still he reigns forevermore!
Today’s hymn is a hymn by John Newton, often sung at Easter. This hymn tells so clearly of Christ dying for the one who sings it; yes it was our guilty sin that led Christ to the cross, but take heart, for through that death he saved our souls! I hope this can be your song today. Enjoy!
I saw One hanging on a tree, In agony and blood; He fixed His loving eyes on me, As near His cross I stood.
Refrain: O, can it be, upon a tree The Savior died for me? My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled, To think He died for me!
Sure, never to my latest breath, Can I forget that look; It seemed to charge me with His death, Though not a word He spoke. (Refrain)
My conscience felt and owned the guilt, And plunged me in despair: I saw my sins His blood had spilt And helped to nail Him there. (Refrain)
A second look He gave, which said, “I freely all forgive: This blood is for your ransom paid, I die that you may live.” (Refrain)
Today’s hymn comes from Haldor Lillenas (1885-1959). Newly married and setting up house with his young bride, Haldor Lillenas wondered how he was going to provide for his family after barely pulling together enough money to finish building their home. When a neighbor offered a dusty organ Haldor eagerly it and set about composing. As he settled into family life, he wrote many songs on that first, imperfect instrument. One of the early compositions Haldor wrote on that five-dollar organ was “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”. He wrote over 4,000 hymns in his lifetime and he went on to found his own music publishing company1. Enjoy this one!
Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin; how shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin? Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free, for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Refrain: Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, deeper than the mighty rolling sea, higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain, all sufficient grace for even me; broader than the scope of my transgressions, sing it! greater far than all my sin and shame. O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise his name!
Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching to all the lost, by it I have been pardoned, saved to the uttermost. Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty, for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. [Refrain]
Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching the most reviled, by its transforming power making me God’s dear child, purchasing peace and heaven for all eternity, for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. [Refrain]
Today’s hymn is by Isaac Watts and tells of the one who is unashamed to be known as a follower of Christ. This hymn first appeared in his Hymns and Spiritual Songs in 1707. I hope these words can be your own today; enjoy!
I’m not ashamed to own my Lord, Or to defend His cause; Maintain the honor of His Word, The glory of His cross.
Jesus, my God! I know His name, His name is all my trust; Nor will He put my soul to shame, Nor let my hope be lost.
Firm as His throne His promise stands, And He can well secure What I’ve committed to His hands Till the decisive hour.
Then will He own my worthless name Before His Father’s face, And in the new Jerusalem Appoint my soul a place.
Hymn of the Day 