Our newest book is now available in paperback. 40 Days of Praise will help you develop a habit of prayer during the coming year. Based on a different hymn a day, this devotional makes a great gift for anyone wishing to deepen their prayer life.
devotional
40 Days of Praise for the Kindle released
Our newest resource, a 40 day devotional, is available for the Kindle. Print version will be out in 1-2 weeks.
Hymn Devotions Day 40 – More About Jesus
DAY 40 – MORE ABOUT JESUS
What a great way to end forty days of devotions. To learn more about Jesus everyday should be the desire of each of us. No matter how much I study and how much I learn, I have only scratched the surface of knowing Him. I desire to know more about Him. I am glad that eternity means forever, because that is how long I anticipate it taking to even begin knowing Him.
In learning more about Him, I will come to understand what He means when I am given direction by Him. I will be able to discern His will more clearly and obey Him more completely. I will come to understand His Words revealed in the Scriptures, written for our guidance.
One of the greatest ways to learn more of Him is to talk to Him, through prayer, each day. It is in conversing with Him that we learn to hear His voice. We also read of Him in the Bible, so that we can compare what it says to what we hear, to make sure we are hearing His voice and not an imposters.
Another reason I desire to learn more about Him is to be able to show others I know, whom I care about, what He is like. I long to show His grace and transforming power to those around me who need Him most. If I am going to be greedy and shout more, more, I want it to be a holy greediness to understand my Lord better.
My prayer for you, is that you will desire to know more about Him also.
Lord, help us desire to know more of You. Reveal Yourself to us as we come to You in prayer, as we read of You in the Bible. Speak to us in an unmistakable voice, one that cuts through the clutter and noise of the world. Help us to know You so that we may live a life pleasing to You and bring others to You for salvation.
MORE ABOUT JESUS by Eliza Hewitt
More about Jesus would I know
More of His grace to others show
More of His saving fullness see
More of His love Who died for me
More about Jesus let me learn
More of His holy will discern
Spirit of God, my teacher be
Showing the things of Christ to me
More about Jesus in His Word
Holding communion with my Lord
Hearing His voice in every line
Making each faithful saying mine
More about Jesus on His throne
Riches in glory all His own
More of His kingdom’s sure increase
More of His coming, Prince of Peace
REFRAIN:
More, more about Jesus
More, more about Jesus
More of His saving fullness see
More of His love who died for me
Hymn Devotions Day 38 – His Way With Thee
DAY 38 – HIS WAY WITH THEE
Yielding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance each day is easier said than done. My will, my desires, have to be constantly pushed down so that His desire and will can shine through. I cannot live a godly life in my own power. My heart is desperately and deceitfully wicked. I need to always submit myself to Him, in order to do what is right and holy.
Some of my favorite lines in this hymn point to great gospel truths. He can carry my load far better than I can. Better yet, He offers to carry that load. My worries, frustrations, concerns and ailments can be turned over to Him and exchanged. I especially love the next to last line in the second stanza. The line comes straight out of Jude’s epistle and gives us hope. He can keep us from stumbling or falling. What a magnificent Savior!
Everything is dependent upon Jesus. Only His saving power can make us what God intended for us to be when He created us. Only His atoning death on the cross can cleanse us from all unrighteousness and free us from sin’s power. Only His love can completely fill us because only He can love us with a pure love.
It is a mystery why I struggle with letting Him lead me. I know all these biblical truths. I see the truth of them lived out in my life day by day. Yet I still struggle with turning my life over to Him minute by minute. What a frail, fickle creature I am. How reassuring to read in Scripture that even when I am faithless, He remains faithful because His Spirit lives in me and He cannot deny Himself.
Lord, give me the ability to consistently turn my life over to You. I struggle with control issues. I know You know best but my own deceitful heart wrestles with You. Overcome it Lord and reign supremely in my life so I may experience true freedom in You.
HIS WAY WITH THEE by Cyrus Nusbaum
Would you live for Jesus and be always pure and good?
Would you walk with Him, within the narrow road?
Would you have Him bear your burden, carry all your load?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Would you have Him make you free and follow at His call?
Would you know the peace that comes from giving all?
Would you have Him save you so that you need never fall?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Would you in His kingdom find a place of constant rest?
Would you prove Him true in providential test?
Would you in His service labor always at your best?
Let Him have His way with thee.
REFRAIN:
His power can make you what you ought to be
His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free
His love can fill your soul and you will see
‘Twas best for Him to have His way with thee.
Hymn Devotions Day 36 – Just As I Am
DAY 36 – JUST AS I AM
What a wonderful joy to know that we can come to Jesus just as we are. Indeed, we have to come as we are because only He can cleanse us. We cannot clean ourselves up. We cannot make ourselves righteous. We don’t wait until we have “made things right.” We go to Him to be made right.
Not only do we come to Him just as we are, but we are assured that He doesn’t leave us as we are. We come to Him and leave changed. He does indeed rid our souls of the dark stain of sin. He makes us spiritually alive, opens our eyes to spiritual truth, puts us into the correct frame of mind as He heals us.
It is amazing that He is willing to pardon us. Even greater still is His willingness to cleanse us, transform us, call us one of His own. He has promised and His promises never fail. “Come to Me,” Jesus invites and we run to Him, knowing He alone has the answers we need.
I love the very first verse. We come to Christ with no excuses, only an admission of our guilt. We throw ourselves on the mercy of God’s court, and find His grace operative there. Our admission of guilt, our contrition and repentance, is all we need. He bids us to come to Him to find forgiveness and healing. Why should we linger, and heed not His mercies? He is tenderly calling to us, urging us to come to Him. “Let us reason together, though your sins be as scarlet they will be white as snow.”[1] O Lamb of God, I come, seeking Your forgiveness and grace.
Thank You Lord for being willing to take me as I am. Thank You for not leaving me that way, but cleansing me and making me holy. You are a great and wonderful God.
JUST AS I AM by Charlotte Elliott
Just as I am without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee
O Lamb of God I come, I come
Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot
O Lamb of God I come, I come
Just as I am though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt
Fightings and fears within, without
O Lamb of God I come, I come
Just as I am poor, wretched, blind
Sight, riches, healing of the mind
Yea all I need in Thee to find
O Lamb of God I come, I come
Just as I am, Thou wily receive
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because Thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God I come, I come
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone
O Lamb of God I come, I come
Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove
Here for a season, then above
O Lam of God, I come, I come
[1] Isaiah 1:18
Hymn Devotions Day 31 – Kneel At The Cross
DAY 31 – KNEEL AT THE CROSS
What a joy to know that when we come in repentance to Him, Jesus is faithful to meet us. How great it is, to know that He is there when we need Him. How marvelous to know that He offers us a new life, in exchange for our old one. Do you hear Him calling to you, telling you that His yoke is easy and His burden is light? Do you hear Him calling upon you to repent of your sins and to turn your life over to Him?
It doesn’t matter who you are, where you are from, your race, creed, color or economic status, there is only one way to eternal life – through Jesus Christ. There is room for all who believe. The ground is equal at the foot of the cross, all must enter the same way, through the only Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ.
Amazingly, He offers to share His glory with us. To all who believe on Him, God offers not only new life, but to make us co-heirs with Jesus. This is unbelievable. Not only are we pardoned, cleansed and offered a new life forever, but also we are made to share in the blessings and the glory of His Son. What a great God!
What has this life to offer that could possibly compare to sharing in the inheritance of Jesus? Look not to things of this world, look to Jesus alone and find joy unspeakable and full of glory. Find Jesus and find everything.
Lord, help us look only to You. We pray, also, for our friends and family who do not yet know You. Call to them, show them Your glory, draw them to You so they may kneel at the cross in repentance and find remission for their sin.
KNEEL AT THE CROSS – Charles Moody
Kneel at the cross
Christ will meet you there
Come while He waits for you
List to His voice
Leave with Him your care
And begin life anew
Kneel at the cross
There is room for all
Who would His glory share?
Bliss there awaits
Harm can ne’er befall
Those who are anchored there
Kneel at the cross
Give your idols up
Look unto realms above
Turn not away
To life’s sparkling cup
Trust only in His love
REFRAIN
Kneel at the cross
Leave every care
Kneel at the cross
Jesus will meet you there
Hymn Devotions Day 30 – Take My Hand Precious Lord
DAY 30 – TAKE MY HAND, PRECIOUS LORD
Many hymns were written out of tragedies, and this one was no exception. Thomas Dorsey was a fantastic musician and song writer who was devastated when his wife died giving birth to their child, who also later died. Filled with despair, he lost faith in God being a good and caring God. Deep in his grief, God reached out to him one as he sat at a friend’s house, overshadowing him with peace and filling his heart with love. Immediately he started playing a melody and these words welled up from inside him.
We can all empathize with him at times in our life. Few us there are who have not been touched with death or tragedy. Few of us there are who have not known despair at the circumstances we find ourselves in. Like the disciples on the boat in the storm, we have a feeling that any moment life is going to drown us. Thankfully, God is in control. He does have a plan, and it is a good one because He is good.
We can, like Peter found out, grab hold of His hand when we are in danger of drowning and He can lift us up to walk above the storms of life. He is all we need. When He is all there is we find Him to be more than sufficient, more than enough. He is God. All-knowing. All-caring. All-powerful. All-wise. All-good. He is God.
When we are overwhelmed we need to simply cry out to Him, “Lord, take my hand.” He will. He will lead us to Himself, where we will find rest for our burdened souls. “Come to Me” is His invitation. He will never turn us away.
Lord, take my hand today. Lead me to You. I do not know what today entails for my life, but You do. I can easily lose sight of You, lose perspective, lose hope. Keep me in Your hand, so that I am not overwhelmed by life, but so I can rest in You. Amen.
TAKE MY HAND, PRECIOUS LORD – Thomas Dorsey
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired
I am weak
I am worn
Through the storm
Through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home
When my way grows drear
Precious Lord, linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry
Hear my call
Hold my hand
Lest I fall
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet
Hold my hand
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home
Hymn Devotions Day 29 – Nothing But The Blood
DAY 29 – NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD
Hebrews 9:22 tells us that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. Other parts of the Bible tell us that only the blood of the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus, suffices to pay sin’s penalty. This song is a tribute to Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.
Only Jesus can provide forgiveness of sin. Only Jesus can restore our true humanity. Only Jesus can pardon our crimes and atone for our trespasses against God’s laws. Only Jesus can bring healing, peace and comfort.
Our religion is a bloody one. Life is found in the blood and so only a blood sacrifice suffices as payment. Jesus is the only one able to be a perfect sacrifice, as He is the only one to never sin. Let us never be ashamed to sing of His shed blood. Those outside of God’s kingdom may be offended, thinking we are brutal, uncivilized barbarians for focusing on blood, sacrifice, crucifixion and the like. We know why they are important. We know the true history of mankind. We know the story of God’s redemption. We know why it was necessary for Jesus to die in our place.
Let us confidently proclaim our belief, our truth, our Savior. Let us sing out praises to Him who shed His blood on our behalf. Let us glory in our King, who was crucified and who rose again, conquering death. How precious is the blood of Jesus, that purifies me of my sin.
Thank You, Lord, for shedding Your blood for me. There is no other who can save. There is none who compares with You. You paid the price for me. Help me to become worthy of Your sacrifice by making me, molding me, into Your image.
NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD – Robert Lowry
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
For my pardon, this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
For my cleansing, this my plea
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing can for sin atone
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Naught of good that I have done
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my hope and peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Now by this I’ll overcome
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Now by this I’ll reach my home
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Glory! Glory! This I sing
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
All my praise for this I bring
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
REFRAIN:
Oh! precious, is the flow, that make me white as snow
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Hymn Devotions Day 26 – Thank You, Lord
DAY 26 – Thank You, Lord
I like the simplicity of this hymn very much. I first learned this as a chorus in children’s Sunday School, and only recently became acquainted with the verses.
While it is both right and appropriate to thank the Lord for the things He has done for us, greater still is thanking Him for just being who He is. He is a God of grace and while that is just one aspect of His character, it is definitely worthy to be praised. Now, flowing from His grace, comes our salvation, as the chorus proclaims. That, too, is worthy of praise.
It is this wonderful salvation that makes us whole. It brings us to life spiritually. It allows us to commune once again with our God. It allows us to learn of Him and brings joy and excitement to a life that was once dull and listless.
I especially love the verse that says, “I prove His saving grace.” Yes, I do. If He can save me, He can save anyone. So often I run into people who think they are so bad, have done so much wrong, messed up their life so much, that they cannot be saved. They have lost hope. I simply open the Bible and show them people much worse than they, murderers, blasphemers, those demonically possessed, harlots, thieves and many more whom God called as His own.
Until He returns for me, or calls me home to Him, I will continue to thank Him for His great salvation.
Thank you, Lord, for being who You are. Thank you for deciding to reach down and change my life through Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for Your Son, who paid my penalty and purchased salvation for me. What else have I to say, Lord, than “Thank you?”
Thank You, Lord – Seth and Bessie Sykes
Some thank the Lord
For friends and home
For mercies sure and sweet
But I would praise Him
For His grace
In prayer I would repeat
Some thank Him for the flowers that grow
Some for the stars that shine
My heart is filled with joy and praise
Because I know He’s mine
I trust in Him from day to day
I prove His saving grace
I’ll sing this song of praise to Him
Until I see His face
Refrain:
Thank you Lord, for saving my soul
Thank you Lord, for making me whole
Thank you Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free
Hymn Devotions Day 24 – Take Time To Be Holy
DAY 24 – TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY
What a beautiful reminder of our need to spend time with Jesus. The only way to have a powerful, fruitful life in service for Jesus is to abide in Him. The only way to abide in Him is to spend time with Him in prayer and through Bible study.
I love the practical advice given here as well. Make friends with God’s children. We cannot go through this life on our own. God has made us to interact with others and to cooperate with them to reach the world with the gospel. We are to show mercy to others also. We are to do good works in Christ’s name so that people see it and give praise and glory to the Father.
In the busy, hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to forget to take time out for God. Thank goodness He did not forget to take time out of the running of the universe to send His Son down for us. Thank goodness Jesus took the time to teach His disciples, to show us how to live, to die on the cross for the payment of our sins. How churlish it would be not to take the time to spend with Him after He has done so much for us.
All of us have the same amount of time. No person has more or less than 24 hours in a day. How we use those hours will reflect on our priorities in life. How much time are you spending on becoming holy and pleasing to God.
Lord, help me take the time with You that is needed to become a person holy and useful. Keep me from prioritizing other things instead of spending time with You. Put my thoughts and actions under Your control and lead me by Your Spirit.
TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY – William Longstaff
Take time to be holy
Speak oft with the Lord
Abide in Him always
And feed on His Word
Make friends with God’s children
Help those who are weak
Forgetting in nothing
His blessing to seek
Take time to be holy
The world rushes on
Spend time in secret
With Jesus alone
By looking to Jesus
Like Him thou shalt be
Thy friends in thy conduct
His likeness shall see
Take time to be holy
Let Him be thy Guide
And run not before Him
Whatever betide
In joy or in sorrow
Still follow the Lord
And, looking to Jesus
Still trust in His Word
Take time to be holy
Be calm in thy soul
Each thought and each motive
Beneath His control
Thus led by His Spirit
To fountains of love
Thou soon shall be fitted
For service above
ta ethne 