Month: December 2019

“Victors in the midst of strife . . . “

Moving forward. Victors in the midst of strife. How? Are there many remedies? Many people are going through a very difficult time of loss. Others suffer physical pain everyday. There are financial stresses.

Where is the light for each passing moment? Is there a present help in times of agony of spirit?

Yes, it’s the song. The song of praise to God. Is God distant, far off in the heavens? No . . . The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit Psalm 34:18.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart Jeremiah 29:13.

Do we want to be victors in the midst of strife? Yes! With all our heart, we must believe God’s promises.

Speaking the hymns ignites increased faith. This 1907 Henry Van Dyke hymn, Joyful, Joyful we Adore Thee, gives a spiritual lift to be victors in the midst of strife.”

The heart strings come alive when our vocal chords speak, (sing), and recite these powerful phrases:

Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.

Convicting can be these words as well. Do I adore the Lord? Have I forgotten His precepts? Are they on some dusty shelf? Why should I praise?

Let’s never forget:

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him Psalm 28:7.

“Lord, increase our faith this day,” we pray.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day.

Your Word, Your testimonies are light to us:

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.  And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 

You Lord, are the Light. We are changed when we speak in hymns and spiritual songs. The Lord abides in our praises.

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God Psalm 42:5.

And again,

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God Psalm 42:11.

Yes, Jesus Himself cried out “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Mark 15:34. He is of complete understanding to all our sorrows. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Suddenly our focus is no longer on any loss or pain, our focus is moved to God, who is the God of all comfort, of gracious love and mercy, yet risen and alive.

He is all powerful and able:

All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!

Our discouraged hearts say, “never and no-body,” But the hymn reminds us, with God:
Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

We are reminded the promises of the Christmas story to the surface, when the angel said to Mary in Luke 1:37,

“For with God nothing will be impossible.”

And in another translation, “For no word from God will ever fail.”

This is what lifts us to the joy divine!

Will we choose to praise? To lift our voice, even aloud, and join the chorus?
Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God’s own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

When we keep ourselves in the Love of God with praise on our lips, we are victors every time. In the midst of strife, we triumph in His songs of life!

Chorus practice? Yes! The Joyful music will lead us . . . Sonward.

“Thank you Jesus for Your faithfulness, yesterday, today, and forever. In Jesus name, Amen.”

“Mary had a Baby. Yes, Lord . . . “

It’s Christmastime. The music changes. Suddenly Jesus’s name is heard in Department Stores, and it’s acceptable. Christmas Carols, children’s voices, the sound of music is everywhere.

Today, I pull out an ol’ gospel spiritual Mary Had a Baby, Yes, Lord.

Little ones light up singing this tune.

You might remember the song. It has a sweet, childlike simplicity, yet it births some  deep, important thoughts for the soul:

Mary had a baby, yes, Lord,
Mary had a baby, yes my Lord,
Mary had a baby, yes Lord,
People keep a-comin’ an’ the train done gone.

There’s a natural flow to the words even if the true melody is unknown.  

There was a lot going on then. And there’s a lot going on now. This story isn’t only about the past, this story is about today, this very moment. This story is for now.

Mary had a baby, yes, Lord.

This is a good excuse to open up the Scripture’s pages and read the story stright from the Bible:

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.

So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up . . . out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to . . . Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, Luke 2: 1,4.

A lot of people began coming to town. And the song brings it all to mind, the atmosphere of that place and time.

The people keep a comin, . . . 

There’s traveling here and there, for everyone. Days are busy. We, like they, are  occupied with important things. We’re counting on many things.

Does this song bring about urgency?

What’s all this about the train done gone?

Is there a train we might miss?

The kids sing: 

What did she name Him? Yes Lord?
What did she name Him, yes my Lord,
What did she name Him, Yes, Lord,  . . .

There must be something about that name. 

And the Bible let’s us know that God gave a title along with a name. There’s something special about this Baby of Mary:

A virgin shall be with Child and they shall call His name, Immanuel (Matthew 1:23). 

Immanuel, God . . . with . . . us. 

There’s so much to do, no time to be still, so, . . .

The people keep-a-coming, and the train done gone.

Have I missed something? Do I even realize something’s missing? Do we miss the Everything?

God’s Word tells the story in Luke 2, famously:

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

‘Mary had a baby, Yes Lord . . .

What did she name Him? Yes,  my Lord . . .

‘She named Him King Jesus, Yes Lord,

Named Him King Jesus, Yes, my Lord. 

Wrapped him in swaddlin’, Yes Lord.

the people keep a coming but the train done gone.”

Wrapped in rags? A King wrapped in poor ol’ rags. “No room in the Inn, but you can have the barn?”

What’s going on in this ol’ gospel song?

A cold, smelly cave where the animals all stay? Is this the story that we read every year.

God has come down to be with us, the Immanuel has come down. But who even knows? 

Is this a picture of my very own heart? Am I going to miss what’s most important? Concerned about the gifts I’m going to give, or not able to give? Am I allowing other expectations fill my mind?

Is the train done gone? 

Not if I can make the choice, each new day, even, moment by moment at times.

Though the terrain be rough, (as it was for Mary and Joseph), though there’s no room in the traditional sense, no Inn, or culturally acceptable dwelling places, . . .

perhaps the barn door, smelly and raw, of a broken spirit toward God, and a heartfelt prayer, “Lord, I’m desperate for You. Change me that I might overcome every trial as You did, and have grace and mercy as a gift to give.”

This Babe left all His glory of heaven to be born in a barn . . . for me, for every person in the whole entire world to be Savior, our Forgiver, our Redeemer.

‘Mary had a baby, Yes Lord. The glory train is here now. Can I see it?

What’s my choice?

I’m getting on. And again, each new morning.

It’s my choice to choose Love before the opportunity’s gone, but I can’t do it alone.

What should we do? I will take His hand and trust He’ll help me make the step.

The Scripture says, 

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold,

an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid, Luke 2:8.

And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” 

“Take my hand. Don’t be afraid. Trust Me. I am enough.”

My mail might not bring good news. The doctor’s report might not have good news, but Jesus, He has brought news of great joy for me, and all people of the world.

Jesus is bread. Jesus is light. Jesus is my Good Shepherd, my living water, the bright and morning star. Jesus is my peace, your peace, the Prince of Peace.

He has broken down every wall. He is our everything.

I must turn aside, from the mainstream flow of traffic, and step right up. And with each new day, never let this train pass me by.

“She named Him King Jesus, Yes Lord!”

She named Him King Jesus,

“Yes my Lord.” 

I choose to make Him King. Let’s get on that train, step by step, minute by minute.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever would believe in Him . . . 

should not perish  . . .

but have everlasting life, John 3:16.

When it feels like a sacrifice to praise, praise anyway.

Is life so heavy that the song in our heart is gone? In this day and age, between pressing schedules, unbelievable news reports, and sudden moments of loss, a song is the last thing on our mind.

Even so, the Bible encourages:

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Hebrews 13:15

Through Jesus, trust in Him and His sacrifice for us, we are encouraged to offer to God a sacrifice of praise, continually.

Hymns are a great help to learn to praise. Everything created praises, according to All creatures of our God and King:

All creatures of our God and King, 
lift up your voice and with us sing 
alleluia, alleluia! (Paraphrase, William H. Draper. Author, St. Frances of Assisi, 1225).

Yes, the sun lifts its voice daily, the moon gives glory to God as the hymn brings melody to stir up heavy hearts with visions of hope and power:
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise him, O praise him,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

We see these beauties everyday. They lift our eyes up above our earthly thoughts. This hymn ignites new direction of thought, vertical instead of horizontal.

From the weight of cares to praise to God. He is able to help in time of need.

We don’t have to be in church to worship God. We can praise God anywhere, but, there is added riches to efforts and investment of time when we come into the Lord’s house in a community, and

offer a sacrifice of praise.

We don’t always “feel” like praising God. Everyone walks through the doors of God’s house with individual pains and struggles, but a sacrifice of praise changes everything, especially . . . me.

Science has now proven the human brain functions in a more complete capacity when the thoughts and meditations are pleasant.

Praise to God brings supernatural change. The Creator of the Universe is near in our praise, that’s powerful.

We can praise God easily when things are going right, but can we praise before God “parts the Red Sea,” so to speak?

And when we make effort and sacrifice time to go to church, there is reward we don’t always see and don’t comprehend. God is found in hearts that seek Him. He draws near when we draw near to Him.

In church, the focus (should be) and is God. Not the other stuff that tries to take our thoughts, critique, distractions, etc.

He is the One who is able to do all things. Even if the song is not to our liking, we can make the willing choice to read it, speak it, and hear the truths.

With an open and willing mind, our hearts begin to see the common ground in the old hymn and admire it’s care to invoke praise through the trials:
Thou rushing wind that art so strong, 
ye clouds that sail in heav’n along, 
O praise him, alleluia! 

Yes, the winds are strong, the clouds are dark, God is greater and knows all things. O praise Him. Praise Him still.

Maybe, this is what, “be as a child means.” Children trust. Children believe.

And children are praisers. With their bright morning smiles and joyful eyes. With their energy and excitement, children bring praise.

The song of a child is pure and clear, much like the next verse speaking of the glorious sound of water:

Thou flowing water, pure and clear, 
make music for thy Lord to hear, 
alleluia, alleluia!

Everything gives praise, even warm fires and their glow, the hymn reminds that we watch praise to God wherever we go:
Thou fire so masterful and bright, 
that givest man both warmth and light, 
O praise him, O praise him, 
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 

What if the masses stopped to praise? Would we be a different people? Oh, wouldn’t God be pleased?

What would it look like if we would praise God more? Would we put down pointing fingers?

And all ye men of tender heart,
forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
praise God and on him cast your care,
O praise him, O praise him,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Alleluia, God alone can change the heart.

God alone is near and able to comfort sufficiently, those with a broken heart.

It’s a season to give praise to God and join all creation whose already singing. Perhaps one heart at a time, tuned up and praising more, we will witness a changed culture. A culture that returns to walk through the doors of God’s glorious house , worship Him in humbleness, . . .

Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship him in humbleness,
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, three in one. 

This is how the world will be turned upside down, when His people offer a sacrifice of praise, in season, . . . and out.

O praise him, O praise him, 
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!




Source: Trinity Psalter Hymnal #248

Give a Gift of Song, With or Without Singing

December has begun, and people are . . . not all jolly. How do we overcome and move forward when life is filled with loss,

or sickness, or falls,

and pressures, and messes,

and great amount of cares?

Is there a rescue place? Well, those who believe in God take comfort in spending time and thinking on His love and sufficient gift in His Son.

But what about when the song is gone when the holiday season has begun? Like a tire gone flat? Where’s the lift?

I’m telling you, it’s in the hymn-book! One that’s opened and read aloud that is.

This is the one-stringed guitar that I play, so-to-speak: the hymnal has amazing power. But my favorite of all time are Robert J. Morgan’s Then Sings My Soul editions. 

I brought one of the editions into the infusion room many years ago when I was undergoing chemotherapy. The cancer patients in close vicinity to my voice were lifted immediately by the hymns and the stories of the writers. 

We were changed. A deep joy, courage, and most important, hope returned to our sick bodies.

Many were reminded that God’s gracious love never left their side, even though they had nothing to do with Him for long and past years.

Yesterday, I was thinking of my elderly neighbor while I was able to be at church on Dec. 1. She’s unable to get to church because of many reasons, and struggling in many ways. 

Thank you Robert. J. Morgan, for writing Then Sings My Soul Special Edition. I scooped up this book and went on my way to pay a short visit to my neighbor.

Coffee came first, but then pages were opened:

His Eye is on the Sparrow by Civilla D. Martin, 1905.

The Scripture of choice for this hymn was, “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will” Matthew 10:29.

Always to the left was the hymn, to the right, a story. With no melody at all, just the words of the hymn read aloud, “Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart be lonely And long for heaven and home.

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me . . . “

Yes, it’s true, the Word has been told us, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”) Matthew 1;23.

Isn’t this one of the most precious promises of God?
My eyes scroll up for verse 2 with anticipation of the thoughts: “Whenever I am tempted, Whenever clouds arise, When song gives place to sighing, When hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him; From care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me . . . “

Hope is restored with the speaking, (or singing, if you choose) of a hymn. Change comes. The promises of God fill the mind instead of troubles and pain. For example,

“. . . God has chosen to make known . . .  the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

And then my eyes roamed to Morgan’s writing in regards to this hymn by Civilla Durfee Martin, and I was reminded of other verses regarding God’s faithfulness within this theme:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will” Matthew 10:29.

“Do not fear . . . you are of more value than many sparrows” Luke 12:7.

What a wonderful gift this book is to me over and over again. Perhaps, this year the most meaningful gift you might give yourself, or others, is a Robert J. Morgan’s, Then Sings my Soul edition.