Developing the mind of Christ

Here’s a suggestion to be strengthened by grace today based on a simple hymn “May the Mind of Christ, My Savior”.  It comes from Ken Osbeck’s book Amazing Grace:  366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions
“As a suggestion for your devotional times, take the six prayers of this hymn and use one each day to [...]

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Lord’s Day Eve Hymn

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day, the Lord [...]

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The story behind “Great is Thy Faithfulness”

Bob Kauflin tells how this hymn (one of my personal favorites) originated and became so well known:
The story behind Great is Thy Faithfulness should encourage every Christian who thinks of their life as ordinary. There’s no tragic story (think “It Is Well” by Horatio Spafford) associated with this hymn. It’s just the fruit of a faithful [...]

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Be Still My Soul

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is [...]

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O Word of God Incarnate

O Word of God incarnate, O wisdom from on high,
O truth unchanged, unchanging, O light of our dark sky;
We praise thee for the radiance that from the hallowed page,
A lantern to our footsteps, shines on from age to age.
The church from her dear Master received the gift divine,
And still that light she lifteth o’er all [...]

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The story behind “So Send I You”

David Meade tells us how one of the most famous of all missionary songs was actually re-written by the author.  However, most of us only know the first version (which I have always had mixed emotions about).  The second version is a whole lot better in my estimation.

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Lord’s Day Eve hymn

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest, to [...]

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Lord’s Day Eve Hymn

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not [...]

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Lord’s Day Eve hymn

“Sovereign Ruler” by John Ryland
His decree who formed the earth
Fixed my first and second birth;
Parents, native place and time,
Planned within God’s loving mind.
He that formed me in the womb,
He shall guide me to the tomb;
All my times shall ever be
Ordered by His wise decree.
Times of sickness, times of health;
Times of poverty and wealth;
Times of trial [...]

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Hymn of the week: God is Stronghold

God is a Stronghold and a Tower,
A Help that never faileth,
A covering Shield, a Sword of power,
When Satan’s host assaileth.
In vain our crafty foe
Still strives to work us woe,
Still lurks and lies in wait
With more than earthly hate;
We will not faint, nor tremble.
Frail sinners are we: naught remains
For hope or consolation,
Save in His strength Whom [...]

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