Father

40 Days of Praise — Day 38

/ taethne

I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE by Francis Havergal

I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed

That thou might ransomed be, And quickened from the dead

I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast thou given for Me?

I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast thou given for Me?

My Father’s house of light, My glory circled throne

I left for earthly night, For wanderings sad and lone

I left, I left it all for thee, Hast thou left aught for Me?

I left, I left it all for thee, Hast thou left aught for Me?

I suffered much for thee, More than thy tongue can tell

Of bitterest agony, to rescue thee from hell,

I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee, What hast thou borne for Me?,

I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee, What hast thou borne for Me?

And I have brought to thee, Down from My home above

Salvation full and free, My pardon and My love

I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee, What hast thou brought to Me?

I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee, What hast thou brought to Me?

There is no shame in remembering those who were are brothers and sisters who are now at home in heaven. The Bible continually speaks of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Hebrews 11 gives us an honor role of faithful saints. Those who blazed trails in bringing the gospel to the nations are to be respected and honored for their work.

As important as this is, there is a danger. The danger is that we will honor men and women more than the God they served. No matter how great their service, it paled in comparison to what God has done for us. That is why I have picked this song for today. It is a good reminder of why they served, why we serve. 

Christ gave His precious blood for us, can we do any less for Him? If He calls us to suffer for Him, to become a martyr in bringing His gospel to the nations, who are we to shrink for it? Our forefathers did not. Christ left all the splendor of heaven to serve us in the squalor of earth. Can we not leave the comforts of home to go to where people are? Christ gave us Himself, the richest gift of all. Can we not share that gift with the nations?

If we would really honor the saints, we would do well to imitate their example. We would strive to be William Careys, Amy Carmichaels, Gladys Alworths. We would strive to be John Bunyans, William Tyndales, Martin Luthers. Even better, we would emulate Jesus Christ, our greatest hero.

Lord, help us to serve You boldly, willingly, supremely. Let us work diligently until You come again and take us home to where You are.

The Doctrine of Adoption

/ taethne

The article below gives a very good overview of a doctrine that is often overlooked. Our being adopted into God’s family as His sons and daughters, becoming a co-heir with Jesus Christ is an essential teaching that is not stressed enough in our churches. Please take a look at this article and post comments.

http://covenantofgracechurch.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=11

Hymn Devotions Day 2 – Rock of Ages

/ taethne

DAY 2 – ROCK OF AGES 

One of the greatest hymns of all time, Rock of Ages packs deep spiritual truths in its short stanzas. The Rock of Ages is, of course, Jesus Christ, the One who was cleft for us on the cross. He was pierced for our transgressions and by His stripes we are healed. To Him alone we must go for salvation. The final part of verse one, though, is truly deep:

Be of sin the double cure

Save from wrath and make me pure

God’s wrath is poured out on the sinner. Even now they are under His condemnation (John 3:17). The precious blood of Jesus, poured out on the penitent crying for mercy and salvation, satisfies the wrath of God the Father. Not only that, but it cleanses us from all unrighteousness, hence “the double cure.” So much truth packed into so few words.

The rest of the song hammers home the inability of man to save himself, whether by works, (labor of hands) enthusiasm, (zeal) or by sorrow (tears). Only Jesus, alone, can save. This is the great truth about our Lord. Not only can He save, but He does save.

One early, alternate version of the first stanza ended like this: Be of sin the double cure, cleanse me from its guilt and power. While this version is not used as often, it also contains a great truth. Sin is a terrible power that makes all of us stand guilty before God. Truly, we need to fly to the fountain filled with the blood of Jesus to be washed clean.

As you spend time in prayer and contemplation, thank Jesus for His saving grace. Thank Him for substituting Himself for you on the cross, taking the wrath of God in your place and being willing to save.

 

Thank you Father, for sending Your Son as the means of salvation. Thank you Jesus for atoning for our sins by paying sin’s penalty. Be our Rock, we pray, where we can find shelter for all eternity. 

Rock of Ages by Augustus Toplady

 

Rock of Ages, cleft for me

Let me find myself in Thee

Let the water and the blood

From Thy wounded side which flowed

Be of sin the double cure

Save from wrath and make me pure

 

Not the labor of my hands

Can fulfill Thy laws demands

Could my zeal no languor know

Could my tears forever flow

These for sin could not atone

Thou must save and Thou alone

 

In my hand no price I bring

Simply to Thy cross I’ll cling

Naked, come to Thee for dress

Helpless, look to Thee for grace

Foul, I to the fountain fly

Wash me Savior, lest I die

 

While I draw this fleeting breath

When my eyes shall close in death

When I rise to worlds unknown

And behold Thee on Thy throne

Rock of Ages, cleft for me

Let me hide myself in Thee