Stand By Me

When Ben E. King wrote his now famous song Stand by me, little did he realise how remarkable it would be. The lyrics of this powerful song reach into all areas of our lives but undoubtedly can also speak on a spiritual level to weary souls. Perhaps we would need to change the words of the chorus a little, but I think you get the point :)

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No, I won't be afraid
Oh, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me

And darlin', darlin'
Stand by me, oh, stand by me
Oh, stand now, stand by me
Stand by me

The words of Scripture are closely connected to this song, as Ben King admitted that some of the lyrics were inspired by Psalm 46:1-2.

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

He will hold me fast

Keith and Kristyn Getty wrote a beautiful song called "He will hold me fast." It really is an inspirational song and fills one with lots of hope. If you would like to listen to the song or forward it unto someone in need, then here is the link. 

The chorus reminds us all of the wonderful promise that Jesus will hold us fast, no matter what is happening around us. He is our strength and our anchor.

"He will hold me fast,
He will hold me fast,
For my Saviour loves me so,
He will hold me fast."

1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Hold on to what is good.

Isaiah 41:10 - Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

While Shepherds watched

 

While shepherds watched their flocks by night has arguably been one of the Christmas Carols that has had many “lyrical adjustments” over the years. Many of us know this song as the one about the Shepherds washing their socks at night J Although it has nothing to do with the dirty socks of the Shepherds, it does have a lot to do with the annunciation of the Angels (Luke 2:8-14).

The song was first seen in a print in 1700, which suggests it was composed a few years before this date. It was written by Nahum Tate (1652 – 1715), an Irish poet and was apparently the first Christmas hymn allowed to be sung in the Anglican church. All songs before then were taken directly from the Psalms of David. This should have given Nahum much prestige, but sadly it didn’t seem to change his fortunes very much – it is thought he died in relative obscurity.

The part of the carol that stands out for me today is the last verse – this is in particular respect to the public holiday “The Day of Reconciliation”, which was celebrated yesterday in South Africa. How amazing would it be if there was truly ‘peace on earth’ and ‘goodwill’ shown to all people?

While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around
And glory shone around

“Fear not,” he said,
For mighty dread
Had seized their troubled minds
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind,
To you and all mankind.”

“To you in David’s
Town this day
Is born of David’s line
The Saviour who is Christ the Lord
And this shall be the sign
And this shall be the sign.”

“The heavenly Babe
You there shall find
To human view displayed
And meanly wrapped
In swathing bands
And in a manger laid
And in a manger laid.”

Thus spake the seraph,
And forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song
Addressed their joyful song

“All glory be to
God on high
And to the earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth
From heaven to men
Begin and never cease
Begin and never cease!”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Call to Live

There are moments when I hear a song and I am greatly encouraged by the lyrics. These lyrics can move me out of a comfort zone or towards a place of great faith. In my friend, Mark Counihan's new album he wrote a song entitled: "Call to Live." It is such a powerful song and if you would like to listen to it, then please click onto this link.

It reminds me that God has called us to be "Brave and not safe." Faith moves us from our places of warmth and comfort out into the world of the unknown. We will make mistakes along the way, but I think that God is not as upset by the mistakes, as much as he is disappointed that we don't even try.

We are called to "break our jar" again, so that we may spend what God has instilled within our hearts. We can't keep this to ourselves - we need to share this with those who will listen.

2 Corinthians 9:13 - Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

Living in Grace
D3LM3