The inspiration of words

The soul of a person is captured in what they write and speak. This is a week where we remember how Christ changed the heart and mind of Charles Wesley, the inspiration behind thousands of songs and hymns. His popular hymns include Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing and Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.

Besides the words of his songs, Wesley also had some memorable quotes, which have been passed down through the ages. These include:

• "God buries His workmen but carries on His work." 
• "The person who bears and suffers evils with meekness and silence is the sum of a Christian man." 
• "Be friends of everyone. Be enemies of no-one." 

Psalm 19:14 - May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Living in Grace

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And can it be? A song that expresses the power of Good Friday

In the moving hymn And Can It Be? written by Charles Wesley, we find expression of the power, joy, mystery, grace, mercy and invitation of the cross. May these words be a blessing for you on the day we remember Jesus' ultimate revelation of love.

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!

He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race;
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me. [Refrain]

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee. [Refrain]

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own. [Refrain]

John 13:12-13 - This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

Living in Grace

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Paying Tribute

Paying tribute to someone is usually something that you say to show respect or affection for someone. We find that this happens a lot during a service of memorial. However, it also used to happen when a nation was conquered by an enemy. They were forced to pay a 'tribute' to their new rulers. 

One of our well-known hymns reminds us of this task of paying tribute to our Lord Jesus.

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!

The Psalmist wrote of this same concept when reflecting on the hope of a Messiah. He said:

"The western kings of Tarshish and other distant lands will bring him tribute.
The eastern kings of Sheba and Seba will bring him gifts." - Psalm 72

The question that remains for us, is "what TRIBUTE do we bring to Jesus this year?"

Living in Grace

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Guide me, O thou Great Jehovah

When William Williams wrote the words of Guide me, O thou Great Jehovah, I wonder if he realised what an influence it would have on many of our lives. As we read (or sing) these words, what comes to your mind?

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more; feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow; let the fire and cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through. Strong deliverer, strong deliverer, be thou still my strength and shield; be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside; death of death and hell's destruction, land me safe on Canaan's side. Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to thee; I will ever give to thee.

They surely give us some insight into the trials that Williams may have faced in his native Wales (in the 1700's), as well as his trust in God's deliverance. Taking examples from the Old Testament, Williams reminds us that God is our provider, deliverer and redeemer. Williams is remembered as one of the most famous Welsh Methodist hymn writers.

Blessings to you.

Living in Grace

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Come thou long expected Jesus

When Charles Wesley wrote the words of the hymn 'Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus', in 1744, I wonder if he grasped the legacy of his words. I am sure he wanted Christians to proclaim their desire for the return of Jesus, but did he think that we would still be singing his words in 2023? I am not so sure!

Anway, regardless of Charles Wesley's wishes, we are still singing this powerful song and I believe that each word holds the incredible grace and truth of God's love for us all. 

As we read these words again today, may they become our deepest prayer for this Advent season. 

Come, thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel's Strength and Consolation
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation
Joy of every longing heart

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

Living in Grace

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Don't believe them!

Anne Bronte was a prolific writer of poems, books and hymns. She was the daughter of an Irish clergyman, and also the sister of Charlotte and Emily. Sadly, Anne died at the very young age of 29, but even in her short life, she left a huge legacy. 

We sang one of her songs on Sunday, as it fitted in well with our theme on the book of Job. For a young person, Anne had incredible insight and understood the complexities of life and faith. This song reminds us that the Christian path is not a smooth way, and if people tell us that it is, then we shouldn't believe them. This song originally appeared as a poem in Wuthering Heights. 

Believe not those who say
The upward path is smooth;
Lest thou should stumble in the way,
And faint before the truth.

Arm, arm thee for the fight:
Cast useless loads away;
Watch through the darkest hours of night;
Toil through the hottest day.

To labor and to love,
To pardon and endure,
To lift thy heart to God above,
And keep thy conscience pure,

Be this thy constant aim,
Thy hope, thy chief delight;
What matter who should whisper blame
Or who should scorn or slight,

If but thy God approve,
And if, within thy breast,
Thou feel the comfort of His love,
The earnest of His rest?

May we all know the comfort of his love, no matter what we are experiencing at the moment.

Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

Living in Grace

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Safe thus far

In the well-known hymn Amazing Grace, there is a verse that says:

"Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home."

As we read these words today, what things has God brought us safely through? Can you think of some snares and dangers that the grace of Christ has carried you through lately?

I am thankful that this hymn reminds me that God has been with me in the past and he will continue to lead me home. 

1 Samuel 7:12 - Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Living in Grace

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God moves in mysterious ways

I find it fascinating how words and phrases make their way into our common vocabulary. Take for instance the phrase: "God moves in mysterious ways..." 

These words are attributed to a poem, that later became a popular hymn, written by William Cowper. Below is the full hymn if you would like to read it again. Of further interest, is that William was a friend of John Newton (author of Amazing Grace) and it was the depth of their friendship that inspired them both to push through some very tough times. 

God moves in a mysterious way,
    His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
    And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
    Of never failing skill;
He treasures up his bright designs,
    And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
    The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
    In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
    But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
    He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
    Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
    But sweet will be the flow'r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
    And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
    And he will make it plain.

Thought: In what ways have you experienced God move in mysterious circumstances?

Living in Grace

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Let courage rise with danger

In his famous hymn, Stand up! Stand up for Jesus, George Duffield penned these two lines:

"Let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose." - George Duffield (1818-1888)

These words speak of how we can ask God's Spirit to fill our hearts with such courage, that when we face any danger or strife, we can feel our hearts rise to meet the challenge. I believe that God can do this for each one of us, no matter the situation we are facing.

Exodus 15:13 - In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Thought: Have you ever encountered a difficult situation, but sensed a supernatural strength carry you through the time of testing? 

Living in Grace

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Not a burden we bear

"Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,

But our toil he doth richly repay;

Not a grief nor a loss,

Not a frown nor a cross,

But is blest if we trust and obey." - John Henry Sammis

The words of this hymn speak into our daily lives. There is not one burden, or tear or feeling of anxiety, that God isn't aware of. 

Let us trust in God's goodness to help us through each day.

Isaiah 12:2 - "See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory."

Living in Grace

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Love that will never let me go

"O Love that will not let me go;

I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine oceans depths its flow
May richer, fuller be."  - George Matheson

It is rare to find someone who is willing to love us through the depths and darkness of our shadow selves. Thankfully God is one of these people and He will never let us go. We can never plumb the depths of his love and grace.

Ephesians 3:17-19 - "...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Living in grace

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O God, our help in ages past

The words of this beautiful song remind us of God's faithfulness in the past and his promise to help us in the future. Jesus is our hope for an uncertain tomorrow. I am convinced that Isaac Watts would have only penned these words if he had experienced this truth in his own life.

O God, our help in ages past,
  Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
  And our eternal home.

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.

May these words offer you hope and help today.

Living in Grace

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Turn your eyes upon Jesus

The words of this beautiful song have been helpful for me today. Sometimes we find ourselves brought low by the issues that surround us, but we can always TURN OUR EYES UPON JESUS and know that he will hold us close. 

We don't always remember that the song we usually sing in church is just the chorus of the hymn. The rest of the words are equally special and reassuring. May they offer you love and support today.

Living in Grace

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O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Thro' death into life everlasting,
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion--
For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you--He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell! (Helen Howarth Lemmel)

True Friendship

                                             

As we sang this beautiful hymn last week at a memorial service, I was reminded of the friendship that Jesus offers each one of us. And as we contemplate all that Christ brings to this friendship it still baffles me why people choose to say 'no thanks' to this gift. As you read through these familiar words may the Spirit of Jesus fill you with grace and peace.

Living in Grace

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What a friend we have in Jesus,

1. All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh, what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   
2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful,
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
   Thou wilt find a solace there.
4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
   Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
   May we ever, Lord, be bringing
   All to Thee in earnest prayer.
   Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
   There will be no need for prayer—
   Rapture, praise, and endless worship
   Will be our sweet portion there. (Joseph Scriven)
   

It is well with my soul

As we sang this song yesterday I was struck by the great profession of faith that lies behind the deep brokenness in Horatio Spafford's life. It is one thing to proclaim that "it is well with my soul" when things are going great, but to say these words when we are facing great difficulties is the true test of faith.

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

May we sing God's praises even when we are facing tough times.

Living in Grace

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Let earth and heaven combine

I know we are not supposed to be jealous, especially in this season of giving and love. However, when I read the brilliant words of Charles Wesley, as he sums up the complex theology of the Incarnation with an economy of words, I am a little envious.

Just read this first verse again and note how he manages to explain how we all should worship our Immense God, who managed to surrender himself into the form of the Christ-child. It is incomprehensible. It is truly miraculous.

1. Let earth and heaven combine,
      Angels and men agree,
   To praise in songs Divine
      The' incarnate Deity,
Our God contracted to a span,
Incomprehensibly made man.

2. He laid His glory by,
      He wrapp'd Him in our clay,
   Unmark'd by human eye
      The latent Godhead lay;
Infant of days He here became,
And bore the mild Immanuel's name.

Charles Wesley wrote this hymn around 1745 and it is another ‘hit’ alongside his thousands (over 6000) of songs and hymns. Not bad for a guy who was born the 18^th child of Susanna and Samuel Wesley on the 18^th December 1707. He certainly didn’t let his family status prevent him from glorifying his Saviour. Charles was 80 years old when he died in 1788.

Let us not make excuses this year, as to why we can’t worship Jesus. May our voices join with those in heaven, and on earth, as we proclaim Jesus as our Immanuel.

Living in Grace

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O Come all Ye Faithful

There is always a special invitation for all people to come and worship Jesus and to celebrate his birth. However, for me, there is something even more overwhelming and that is to worship Christ, in the presence of the ‘faithful.’ It is almost as if we can let all our inhibitions go and worship as freely as we choose.

O Come all ye Faithful is just that special invitation, and as the song progresses, verse by verse, we feel as if we are joining in with shepherds, angels, Magi and generations of faithful followers who have come to Adore the King of Angels.

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels

O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord!

 

God of God, Light of Light
Lo, He abhors not the Virgin's womb
Very God
Begotten, not created

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God
All glory in the highest

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning
Jesus, to Thee be glory given
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing

This beautiful hymn as had a long list of potential authors, including Cistercian Monks, Saint Bonaventure in the 13^th Century, as well as the king of Portugal, John IV (1604–1656), John Reading (1604–1656) and John Francis Wade (1711–1786).

Although most modern hymn books attribute the words to Wade, this is more than likely due to the fact that his name appears on the earliest English printed versions of the song. Even then, it is believed that Wade was such a gifted copyist, that people often requested him to write out lyrics, poems and other manuscripts due to his beautiful hand-writing.

For me, it doesn’t matter in the end. The Hymn stirs up a great emotion in me and urges all of us to ‘greet our Saviour’ on this happy morning. Christmas Day is the watershed moment in the history of the world that constantly reassure us that God loved us enough to appear to all humanity. There is no greater gift than that!

I wish you a Blessed Christmas and Hopeful New Year.

Living in the Grace of Jesus

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As with gladness men of old

As far as hymn writers go, William Chatterton Dix breaks the mould, especially in his home country of Great Britain. Most of the British hymn writers in the nineteenth century were clergymen, but William was not – he was trained in the business world and worked as a manager of a marine insurance company. He is the author of the wonderful Christmas song As with gladness men of old.

I think this is an important reminder for all of us, that it is not just the clergy who are called to share God’s love and the Gospel, but we all carry that privilege. William Dix chose to use his personal encounter with Christ as a motivation to write his own lyrics and music. He was born in Bristol in 1837 and died in Cheddar (Somerset) in 1898.

In a week where we have been excited to see our own Bethlehem star rising (21 December – Jupiter and Saturn), it is fitting that we note the references to the star in this hymn. As a family we went in search of the star on Monday evening and it was so exciting to get a glimpse of it – it reminded me of the original Bethlehem star and the hope that star gave to all of us.

As with gladness men of old
did the guiding star behold,
as with joy they hailed its light,
leading onward, beaming bright:
so, most gracious Lord, may we
evermore your splendour see.

 

As with joyful steps they sped
Saviour, to your lowly bed,
there to bend the knee before
you, whom heaven and earth adore:
so with ever-quickening pace
may we seek your throne of grace.

 

As they offered gifts most rare
at your cradle plain and bare,
so may we with holy joy
pure and free from sin's alloy,
all our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to you, our heavenly king.

 

Holy Jesus, every day
keep us in the narrow way,
and when earthly things are past,
bring our ransomed souls at last:
where they need no star to guide,
where no clouds your glory hide.

 

In the heavenly city bright
none shall need created light
you, it’s light, its joy, its crown,
you its sun which goes not down;
there for ever may we sing
alleluias to our king.

Let us follow the light of Christ's love this Christmas.  

Living in Grace

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Calypso Carol

There is a certain element of fun, joy and exuberance in the Calypso Carol that always brings a smile to my face.

            See him lying on a bed of straw: 

a draughty stable with an open door;
Mary cradling the babe she bore
the prince of glory is his name.

 

O now carry me to Bethlehem
  to see the Lord of love again:
  just as poor as was the stable then,
  the prince of glory when he came.

 

This modern Carol was written by Michael Perry during the 1960’s (probably 1964) and has often been introduced on radio as a folk carol with West Indian influence. The fame of this particular carol has even prompted the Caribbean island of Nevis to put certain words from the song onto their local postage stamps.

What is even more interesting is that the Calypso Carol came to fame almost by accident. Michael Perry apparently composed the original tune for a college carol show, never intending it to become so popular. A local musician, by the name of Cliff Richard (yes, the Sir Cliff) was putting together a selection of songs for his radio show and needed a song to fill in a gap. He ended up choosing the Calypso carol and it got such a positive response that people began requesting it.

The BBC program Songs of Praise invited it’s viewers to vote for their preferred carols throughout the year 2005. Many thousands of people cast their votes and the Calypso Carol was one of the top 10 choices, for that year. These 10 Carols were then sung at the Christmas Concert (2005) held at the Royal Albert Hall. I am sure that this only helped to spread the popularity of this catchy tune.

For me, the key verse is the last one (verse 4). It speaks of the tremendous gifts we are given through God’s generous gift of his son, Jesus (Matthew 2).

Mine are riches, from your poverty,
from your innocence, eternity;
mine, forgiveness by your death for me,
child of sorrow for my joy. (Michael Perry (1942 - 1996)

God bless you all

Living in Grace

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Angels from the realms of glory

 

James Montgomery (1771-1854) is often considered to be of the same ilk as hymn-writers, Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley, which is a huge compliment in my books. Many of our hymnals will contain a number of Montgomery’s songs, with Angels from the realms of glory sure to be in most of these.

British hymnologist J.R. Watson states, “James Montgomery was a well-known poet, highly thought of by his contemporaries such as Shelley and Byron.”

Montgomery’s father was a minister, and his parents served as missionaries to the West Indies at one point in their ministry. He remained in Yorkshire, and from age 6 was raised in a boy’s boarding school. James later said, “There, whatever we did was done in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, whom we were taught to regard in the amiable and endearing light of a friend and brother.”

It is believed that Montgomery began writing poetry from a young age (around 10). He was not so great with the rest of his academic schooling and dropped out of school at 14. He later found a job in 1792, working at the radical weekly newspaper, the Sheffield Register, which later became the Sheffield Iris. James served as the editor of this publication for 31 years.

“Angels from the realms of glory” was first published on Christmas Eve 1816 and is enjoyed for its sense of anticipation and excitement of the birth of Jesus (www.umcdiscipleship.org).

 

I am including the words of the hymn that mean the most to me at this point in my own Spiritual journey. Verse 3 speaks loudly to me today. May we echo the words of the Angels...

 

Angels from the realms of glory
Wing your flight through all the earth
Ye who sang creation's story
Now proclaim Messiah's birth

Gloria
In excelsis deo
Gloria
In excelsis deo

Verse 3

Sages, leave your contemplation
Brighter visions beam afar
Seek the great desire of nations
Ye have seen His natal star

Living in Grace

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