Access heavenly help with old hymns (long)

Today this watchman asked some spiritual questions and then waited to receive answers from the words of God. But the answers came in hymns instead. They speak to our souls. O Christians, Rejoice, rejoice, lift up your voice and sing eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find None other is so loving, so good and kind!

The following hymns are selected at random, by various singers.

(1) At the Cross – from The Hymns Project (Lyric Video):   Author: Isaac Watts (1707)

https://youtu.be/WmXLJGmTLV8?si=TPlLMwOWpVW5C4s0

My favorite stanza: But drops of tears can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe. Here, Lord, I give myself away; ’tis all that I can do.

“The first two stanzas of this hymn address the same paradox that Paul wrote about in Romans: “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8 ESV) Isaac Watts shows the contrast very powerfully: “When Christ, the mighty Maker, died for man, the creature’s sin.”

The only appropriate response to the realization that such selfless sacrifice on the part of a perfect God was for the sake of the imperfect, selfish creatures we know ourselves to be is total surrender. We know we can never repay our debt of gratitude, so we sing: “Here, Lord, I give myself away; ’tis all that I can do.”” (Quoted from: https://hymnary.org/text/alas_and_did_my_savior_bleed)

(2) Amazing Grace (1779) – Traditional Hymn and Lyrics: Author: John Newton (1779)

https://youtu.be/XjcfQZtgwAI?si=2XKRCbO_H6Sfkh2b

Several factors contributed to Newton’s conversion: a near-drowning in 1748, the piety of his friend Mary Catlett, (whom he married in 1750), and his reading of Thomas à Kempis’ Imitation of Christ. In 1754 he gave up the slave trade and, in association with William Wilberforce, eventually became an ardent abolitionist. (Quoted from: https://hymnary.org/text/amazing_grace_how_sweet_the_sound )

A grace hymn that brought me to tears: Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come: ’tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

(3) The Old Rugged Cross [Lyrics Video]:

https://youtu.be/Dwk6Aic5XBw?si=7noGSlMoE5_2T74x

George Bennard (1873-1958) wrote words and tune for his best known hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” in 1913.  The cross is seen as “the emblem of suffering and shame” in the first stanza, yet it has “a wondrous attraction” in the second and “a wondrous beauty” in the third. Why is such symbol of shame found so attractive? Because it is there that “Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me.” The joy that is found in contemplating the cross is not found in the shame, but in the promise that someday the saints will exchange the labor of sanctification for the crown of life (James 1:12, Rev. 2:10). (Quoted from: https://hymnary.org/text/on_a_hill_far_away_stood_an_old_rugged )

(4) Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross (Hymn Charts with Lyrics, Contemporary):  Author: Fanny Crosby   

https://youtu.be/Xrmlv806bGM?si=e5jU3KNDMLz4aVLR

The refrain of this hymn echoes the words of the apostle Paul, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14 ESV) The stanzas are a prayer that the Christian would always remember the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, and live faithfully in that memory. (Quoted from: https://hymnary.org/text/jesus_keep_me_near_the_cross )

My favorite refrain:

In the cross, in the cross

Be my glory ever,

Till my ransomed soul shall find

Rest beyond the river.

(5) What a Friend we have in Jesus with lyrics | new version: Author: Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1855)

https://youtu.be/YTpUQO0aryw?si=CAg9brdCm7vac8ui

As a new Christian I loved to sing this hymn with others like me. We were awed by the promise of an ideal friendship with Jesus. This is a friend who will never fail us or betray us. What more can we ask?

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!

(6) Don Moen – As The Deer [with lyrics]:  (This a hymn for meditation. )

https://youtu.be/no9StppmvGA?si=coFiO5-sxyGkJe7T

You alone are my strength my shield, to you alone may my spirit yield…

TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS: Author: Louisa M. R. Stead (1882)

https://youtu.be/-DdgkvnsHjM?si=WRVr4cEDpmF5qtfF

I wanted to taste the sweetness of Jesus for myself too.

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,

just to trust his cleansing blood;

and in simple faith to plunge me

neath the healing, cleansing flood!

(7) BE THOU MY VISION — My Favorite Irish Hymn! : Translator: Mary E. Byrne; Versifier: Eleanor H. Hull

https://youtu.be/ihJAJA4ibEs?si=BXX5QF4wOrpvEyrO

When I was a young I longed to have a vision. This hymn immediately touched my heart. Jesus is the best vision anyone could have!

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art;

be Thou my best thought in the day and the night,

both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.

High King of heaven, Thou heaven’s bright Sun,

O grant me its joys, after vict’ry is won;

Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

still be Thou my Vision, O Ruler of all.

(8) David Phelps – He Lives from Hymnal (Official Music Video):   This rendition is new to me. It is selected as a variation to the overall more classical presentations usually at Easter.

https://youtu.be/cX8BD-h4F2I?si=HQTztQoIlUMSn1SY

This hymn impacted me significantly for decades. What matters to every Christian is Jesus still lives! He lives! He lives. So shall we all! We serve a risen Savour!

Lyrics from 1^st and last stanzas: I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today I know that He is living, whatever men may say I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer And just the time I need Him He’s always near Chorus: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today He walks with me and talks with me Along life’s narrow way He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian lift up your voice and sing Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find None other is so loving, so good and kind

(9) I Know Whom I Have Believed | Songs and Everlasting Joy: Author: D. W. Whittle (1883)

https://youtu.be/RTAxq2BqJa4?si=KPszLsHrfV8I4kw3

I always find my eyes wet with tears when I sing this hymn. I really know little about my Lord, but I know that I can entrust Him my loved ones, and that when He comes for me, I shall be ready.

The text contrasts the “I know not” stanzas with the certainty of the “I know” refrain We cannot understand God’s saving grace to us (st. 1); we cannot explain our spiritual birth (st. 2); we are unable to comprehend the work of God’s Spirit (st. 3); and we do not perceive clearly the future of our earthly lives (st. 4). But we do know by faith that God is true to his word! (quoted from: https://hymnary.org/text/i_know_not_why_gods_wondrous_grace_to_me )

1 I know not why God’s wondrous grace to me is daily shown, nor why, with mercy, Christ in love redeemed me for his own.

Refrain: But “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto him against that day.”

2 I know not how this saving faith to me he did impart, nor how believing in his word wrought peace within my heart. [Refrain]

3 I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing us of sin, revealing Jesus through the Word, creating faith in him. [Refrain]

4 I know not when my Lord may come, at night or noon-day fair, nor if I’ll walk the vale with him, or meet him in the air. [Refrain]

(10) O To be like Thee: Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1897)

https://youtu.be/KrYhiK2nQBg?si=8s69VIy_hORbmz0J

The author’s goal was to incorporate as many scriptures as possible. Scriptural references for this hymn are:  

• Exodus 15:11 (hymns)
• Romans 8:19 (hymns)
• Romans 8:29 (hymns)
• 1 Corinthians 11:1 (hymns)
• Philippians 1:20 (hymns)
• Philippians 2:5 (hymns)
• 1 John 3:3 (hymns)

Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,

Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,

Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,

Fit me for life and Heaven above.

(11) How Great Thou Art: Author: Carl Gustav Boberg; Translator: Stuart K. Hine (1949)

https://youtu.be/QoN38QxAfOg?si=OTbSQu6oOlyPMAwp

Another all-time favorite hymn of mine. After I was first Spirit filled, I often wept whenever I tried to sing the chorus.

The author Stuart K. Hine was born in 1899 in Great Britain. In much of Stuart’s earlier years he and his wife were missionaries in the Western Ukraine of Russia, where they evangelized as Christian workers and singers. His most popular composition is “How Great Thou Art,” which is recognized in many polls as the number one Hymn in America.

When Christ shall come, With shouts of acclamation, And take me home, What joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow In humble adoration And there proclaim, “My God, how great Thou art!”

End Notes from this watchman:

The above hymns were chosen at random as there are too many in my memories. My best friend and I used to take a bi-lingual hymn book each and sat in her sitting room for hours just singing hymns in both languages from the first page down to as many pages as we knew. The hymn book was organized into themes. So we could pick hymns from each theme/topic. Topics include: God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the birth of Jesus, His crucifixion, salvation, resurrection, and His return and many more During the last six months of her life on earth, the hymn we often sang was “Blessed Assurance”.

Blessed Assurance – Jeremy Riddle | Worship Circle Hymns (Lyrics): Author: Fanny Crosby

https://youtu.be/sBnf-OL6Wwk?si=5VeLXxwo7TYO42KZ

1 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Refrain:

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.

2 Perfect communion, perfect delight,

visions of rapture now burst on my sight.

Angels descending bring from above

echoes of mercy, whispers of love. [Refrain]

3 Perfect submission, all is at rest.

I in my Savior am happy and bless’d,

watching and waiting, looking above,

filled with his goodness, lost in his love. [Refrain]

2024-05-05 (Updated)

My biggest wish

You would have been 61 today. My biggest wish is that you could have stayed.

2024-04-05

What did we do last year this day? What will I be doing next year this day? Someone asked me about next year. I know they meant well. I also realized lately how one must bear certain moments alone such as grief.

One young pastor and his wife lost their first born twin boys at birth. They subsequently have two girls and one boy. Someone said that God compensated them.

I listened at that time and thought it wasn’t right to say that. No loved ones can be substituted. Each life is precious on its own just being a life. I believe God treasure every life.

For that matter, don’t try to assume anything to fill up the void. In the grief over the loss of a loved one there’s nothing and no one who can replace him or her. Every one must only handle his own loss and grief in ways only he can.

What shall I do next April? When Spring arrives? I shall come with the same flowers she loves. Talk to the beloved in heaven and talk to God in heaven. 

Having thought through this, I can see that this journey is more for me to reconcile with my life parts that fell apart due to the sudden onslaught of sadness which I never thought could have happened.

2024-04-05

Random notes on the subject of death and life span:

David aptly described the shortness of life. He only lived until 70.

Psalm 144:4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

David described his wish for long life even though he knew no matter how long a man’s age may be, it’s like just one breath compared to eternity with God.

He also recognized the more important finished line, that is being with God forever.

Psalm 21:4 he asked life from You, and You gave it to him–length of days forever and ever.

Psalm 23:6 and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

How did another psalmist handle the inevitable question of death? Trust God to know best, even to death.

Psalm 48:14 For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death.

Summary: Bearing grief is a personal and very private experience which gradually runs its course. Every one has his own definition and purpose of long life. God guides each individual when we ask Him and trust Him.

why didn’t Jesus reply directly to their obvious questions?

Imagine the ironical scenario when Jesus said this cheerful notes, full of positive expectation and encouragement. 

TLB There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am. If this weren’t so, I would tell you plainly. KJV In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)

Jesus spoke these words at a time when He was preparing His disciples what to expect in the future. He knew His future. Because of His relationship with God the Father and He knew He was from heaven, He was certain of His victory at the cross and after the cross. He knew the disciples were not that prepared.

But what was the relevance to talk about heaven to His disciples? Their immediate response would be grief, anger, fear and a deep sense of rejection/abandonment and loss. Peter even told off Jesus, it should never happen to you!

AMPC Then Peter took Him aside to speak to Him privately and began to reprove and charge Him sharply, saying, God forbid, Lord! This must never happen to You! (Matthew 16:22) NCB Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid, Lord. Such a fate must never happen to you.” (boldness and highlight added by this blogger)

Peter was a normal person. It was normal for him to think that nothing bad should ever happen to Jesus, their master and teacher and the Messiah for Israel. But Jesus immediately rebuked the spirit behind Peter’s very human thought. Peter thought, bad things could happen to anyone but not to Jesus, who was such a good and perfect man.

Good men and women from churches have been dying in younger ages than expected. Many Christians are asking, why do good Christians-ministers, preachers, and Bible teachers- die before a full age? Coming back to Peter’s thought, why should Jesus go through the horrific and humiliating suffering and death process? Surely He deserved a better “fate”. Surely Jesus should live a full age right into a century or more. He is not just anybody. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God! (Matthew 16:16)

Jesus knew peter’s thoughts, said and unsaid. He knew the other disciples (apostles and disciples) would think the same too. In John 14 Jesus first spoke of what heaven has for them. The first thing He told them was the many mansions. Imagine the vast expanse of heaven, the home of God the Father and Jesus the Son.

Imagine the ironical scenario when Jesus said this cheerful notes, full of positive expectation and encouragement. In fact He was soon going to be betrayed into the hands of the enemies who would humiliate, torture and then killed Him that same night. He would have to go through the agony in His soul praying alone in the Garden of Gethsemane to the point that his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:44) (Meanwhile the disciples, even the three closest friends Peter, James and John were sleeping) How can anyone remain cheerful and talk about heaven instead in such an evil night like that with the spirit of death looming overhead?

Jesus can. He knows heaven. He is from heaven. And heaven is as real if not more real to Him always, all the days of His earth life. At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus told Nathanael who was brought to him by another disciple Philip, PHILLIPS “Do you believe in me,” replied Jesus, “because I said I had seen you underneath that fig-tree? You are going to see something greater than that! Believe me,” he added, “I tell you all that you will see Heaven wide open and God’s angels ascending and descending around the Son of Man!” (John 1:51)

It is a normal life for Jesus to be living in the spiritual realm. And He expected His disciples to do so. He had made it easier for them and for us by giving us the Holy Spirit. History after the cross and resurrection have proven this truth after the first pouring out of the Holy Spirit, filling all the apostles/disciples of Jesus Christ on the Pentecost Day, just as Jesus had promised. A change to Jesus’ heaven-ward perspective transformed man’s life. Thus, The apostle Paul boldly declared,

1 Corinthians 15:55-58

⁵⁵ “O^[a] Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

2024-03-24

a watershed! how to walk the next step in Christ?

spiritual watershed

The point is, the physical world is openly exposing itself as what it has become. The spiritual world too has revealed itself just as real but toward another direction. The two paths have now merged into a physical-spiritual watershed point. It has come to a point where the divide between the physical and the spiritual is growing into a chasm. No, this is not a premonition. This is not a prophecy. Rather, this is the passing of ancient prophecies.

Being put in Christ (in union and communion with Him), walking this earth, today a believer in Christ looks at the paths ahead and realizes that one cannot proceed further without taking stock of their current spiritual state.

This is how one takes stock of their personal spiritual state, in order to carry on in the two parallel worlds. The Bible verses are quoted from the New Matthew Bible (NMB).

Look at the spiritual: Who God is and who I really am

Know and acknowledge that God is always good: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.” It’s an absolute truth; there are no exceptions. God is always good. (James 1:17)

Who I am and what my purpose is for being here (on this planet), in particular, at this increasingly perilous time
“⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and his own special people, in order that you should show forth the virtues of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light –” (1 Peter 2:9)

What I am supposed to do next at the present scenario and in future:

This is a reminder to all who are serious about our life hereon and thereafter. It is all about stewardship of what we have been given. The people of God have resources. What do we do with our resources? Jesus said we need to be gentler than doves and yet wiser than serpents. Jesus also uses one last parable to describe a final set of criteria whereby the goats and sheep will be sorted into two categories, to each its end.

⁷ The end of all things is at hand. Be therefore discreet and sober, so that you may be fit for prayer. ⁸ But above all things, have fervent love among you. For love covers the multitude of sins. ⁹ Be ready to take one another into your homes, and that without grudging. ¹⁰ As each one has received the gift, minister the same to one another, as good ministers of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:7-10)

“The English word “sober” was translated from the Greek word “SOPHRONEO,” and this Greek word means “to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, (figuratively) moderate” (Strong’s Concordance). It is not just talking about not being drunk. The Amplified Bible renders this word “watch” as “alert.” So, true prayer will keep us alert unto what the Lord is doing.”

“The only way to maintain relationships is with fervent love, the kind that is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. The word “fervent” was translated from the Greek word ektenes. The other occurrence was in Acts 12:5, where “fervent” was translated “without ceasing.” So “fervent charity” in this verse may be interpreted as “charity without ceasing.” ”

Love, God’s kind of love, is a power. It is a supernatural power. It has worked on the cross two thousands of years ago. This is the Truth that Jesus has revealed and personally demonstrated. God’s kind of love is God’s kind of power. And all the apostles and early church disciples of Jesus knew this. (Read the New Testament and the early church history)

We are required to be “watchful” and “alert.” So, true prayer will keep us alert unto what the Lord is doing. For this purpose, the Lord has given us the spiritual abilities to see, hear, understand, discern and make the right choices/decisions at the right time.

Jesus actually spoke at length about the perilous time. I will not repeat here. Please read the related chapters in the Gospels and also the Book of Revelation.

What is the consolation for His people? I have been comforted and reassured of the goodness of God and the confident expectation of good for the people of God, in countless Bible verses. I pray you too as you read this blog and meditate on the verses the Lord will give you as you move on from your own watershed point to a point of the hope in Christ that all born again believers have.

HCSB Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. (1 Peter 5:10)

MSG Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)

AMP For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]. (1 John 5:4)

¹⁷ And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out devils, and will speak with new tongues, ¹⁸ and will kill serpents. And if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them. They will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover. (Mark 16:17-18 NMB)

What is the next step for all who are the followers of Jesus and Bible believers?

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;” （Romans 4:20）Abraham had done this as our trail blazer. So can we.

This is how Jesus has prepared and fully equipped us: (1 Corinthians 2:9-16)

⁹ But as it is written: The eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love him.

¹⁰ But God has revealed them to us by his Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yea, the bottom of God’s secrets. ¹¹ For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of a man which is within him? In the same way, the things of God are known by no man, but by the Spirit of God. ¹² And we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which comes of God, in order to know the things that are given to us by God –¹⁵ But he who is spiritual evaluates all things. Yet he himself is judged by no man. ¹⁶ For who knows the mind of the Lord, or who shall inform him? But we understand the mind of Christ.

We have the mind of Christ! (NKJV)

Application for all who believe: start practicing reading and mediating the Word of God, to know, understand and receive the wisdom of Christ and in Christ. Pray in the Spirit. Ask the Lord’s Spirit to speak to us and guide us specifically in every decision/direction. Be deliberate and be alert. Live as Jesus did and does now.

AMPC In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17)

καί notes, 2022-08-29

For the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy (10) a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls

Hebrews 6:19, 18

It started with one verse on “hope” which has been in my heart for some time. I found it in 6:19, “This hope is a strong and  trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.”

Today I was led to read chapters 1-6 together. I made some notes and copied down the verses in the sequence I was prompted to read them:

October 20^th Hebrews 6:19, 18, 9 (NLT) I am encouraged by this assurance of two things: Hope. Better things to come.            

“This hope is a strong and  trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” “…therefore we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.” “…we are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation.”

October 24^th Hebrews 1-6

This first set of verses is of utmost importance to the believers: Know that we are already set free from the fear of death. Knowing and believing this fact and truth is essential for victory in life.

NKJV 2:14 through death Jesus has destroyed him (the enemy) who had (past tense) the power of death, that is the devil, 2:15 and release those who through fear of death were all their life time subject to bondage. (Set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. NLT.

The second set of verses pointed me to several key phrases: “we are Christ’s house”, “built by God”, “partakers of Christ”, “consider/think of Jesus carefully”, “hold fast the hope unto the end”. We are God’s beloved and chosen in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:4). The condition is stated that we need to remain faithful to the end, keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed. Being a house built by God, we need not worry about the maintenance. The owner Jesus will see to it that we are perfectly maintained and cared for.   

(I will quote verses from KJV Bible unless otherwise specified.)

3:1 We are called to consider Christ Jesus (think of this Jesus). This call is addressed to believers who are described as holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling.  

3:4…He that built all things is God.

3:6 …But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end…

On the subject of “consider/think carefully” here is a list of verses that start with the same urging us to take heed.

(Quoted from NLT Bible)

2:1 so we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard

3:1 and so…think carefully about this Jesus

4:1 let us therefore fear..

6:3 and so, God willing, we will move forward for further understanding

6:12 that you…imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Reading the above we can see the importance for us to focus on Jesus and what we have been taught about Him. God will give us the understanding. Only by knowing Him and what He has done for us can we faithfully hold fast to our hope on Him as the anchor for our souls. He has to be the content for our hope.

Jesus has warned His disciples of end times when many believers will face persecution and the apostles have warned that some believers will fall away. God has actually known the evil bondage many put themselves under all their life, due to their fear of death. God has prepared the solution in Jesus. The moment of truth came/comes/will come on each believer. The book of Hebrews reminds us of God’s solution. Each believer must choose whom to believe: God? Or what the world tells us?  “Listen and consider the truth very carefully.” The Holy Spirit speaks.

(to be continued)

Kainotes 2021-10-24