Fannie J. Crosby

Confidence

/ Gail Johnson / 4 Comments

For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken (Proverbs 14:26)

Devotion

Uncertainty brings torment, taunting us with what-ifs as our imaginations run rampant. Of course, studies show that 90% of what we worry about doesn’t come true. Yet, we often worry anyway.

Although we can’t know what tomorrow holds, we can rest knowing that Jesus is with us. And when all is said and done, isn’t that all that matters?

Today, let us rest in the truth found in His Word. He is our confidence!

The Song

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of the Spirit, washed in His blood.

Nothing should still the joy of that declaration. We are His and He is ours.

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (Romans 5:9-11).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:3-7).

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:12-14). 

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

When doubts arise, we must speak words of truth to our hearts and minds. The truth of His Word will banish the uncertainties and set us free!

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). 

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight.

Angels descending bring from above,

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Crosby describes our relationship with the Lord. Perfect submission to the Lord brings perfect delight in the Lord. In His presence is joy!

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11).

Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest.

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

In daily submission, we find rest. In His presence, we are happy and blessed. And when we love Him as we should, we will watch for Him as a lover waiting for a beloved.

My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away (Song of Solomon 2:10).

Blessed Assurance Fannie J. Crosby Public Domain

If you want to read about this prolific poet, composer, and lyricist, click here.

The Video

*When reading my posts in the WP Reader, the music videos will not load. The video will play if you open the post in your system browser or click on the link to watch it on Youtube.

Now, let's go to church!

Let the People Rejoice!

/ Gail Johnson / 10 Comments

Psalm 147:1-20

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. 
The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. 
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. 
He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. 
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. 
The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. 
Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: 
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. 
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. 
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. 
The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. 
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion. 
For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee. 
He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. 
He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly. 
He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. 
He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold? 
He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow. 
He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. 
He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.

Rejoicing and Reflection

According to The Pulpit Commentary and F. B. Myer’s Through the Bible Day by Day, this psalm was written in Nehemiah’s day for the dedication of the wall. When I read Psalm 147, I hear rejoicing and reflection as the writer remembers all that God has done and is doing, still.

Those acquainted with the story know the heartaches, delays, and challenges they faced while rebuilding the wall. At one point, they had to work with a sword in their hand!

Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows (Nehemiah 4:13).

BUT GOD…

So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days (Nehemiah 6:15).

Jacob’s children did not allow their circumstances to dictate their lives. They fought and worked until the job was finished. They gave thanks and rejoiced for the great things He had done. So should we!

Giving Thanks

I awoke with praise on my lips and the following chorus playing in my heart. I had to laugh because I’m not a fan of the music. Curiosity sent me to my hymn book for the verses. After reading the song, I searched for a video containing the words to share with you. I hope it puts joy in your heart too!

I love that Crosby took the focus off the singer and placed it on the One worthy of all praise and glory.

To God Be the Glory, Great Things He Hath Done

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 
Let the earth hear His voice! 
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 
Let the people rejoice! 
O come to the Father thro' Jesus the Son, 
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done. 
Words by Fannie J. Crosby. Music by William H. Doane