Well, it has been a while since I’ve posted anything... Been C R A Z Y busy, that’s all. Last month we all had the stomach flu and braved Resolved Conference - at the same time. When we left for Resolved, we thought that it was only yours truly who had some sort of food poisoning thing, which I was over in 24 hours. Then, surprise!!!! Eliora got it. Then Derek... It was pretty awful.
Anyway, If you would like to listen to the wonderful messages from the conference, they are available here.
Songs for July 10, 2011:
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Words and music: Martin Luther, 1529.
Love, looove the last stanza: “Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever!” Amen!
This Is My Father’s World
Words: Maltbie Babcock,1901; Music: “Terra Beata” F. L. Sheppard
We’ll be singing 2 verses of this hymn... I have a hard time with the words in the other verses like, “In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.” Hmmm. I know it is probably not meant to be literal, but I can do without the mysticism. On a more positive note, I was feeling drawn to this song because it rejoices in God’s glory in creation. Since my entire family (all 11 of us – 9 month old Elly included) will be camping next week, I have a special craving for songs that thank God for His amazing handiwork.
Jesus Shall Reign Where Ever The Sun
Words: Isaac Watts, 1719; Music: “Duke Street,” Refrain: Resolved Music
This is a great transition from the last song which ends with, “The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!” More specifically, Jesus is King and He “shall reign where ever the sun does its successive journeys run!” The verses are a familiar tune to us at First Baptist, and hopefully the refrain has become increasingly familiar, written by the folks in Enfield and sung frequently at Resolved. Take a gander here.
I Will Glory in My Redeemer
Words and music by Steve and Vikki Cook © 2001 Sovereign Grace Worship
This song has definitely become a favorite modern hymn for me. It boldly speaks the glories of the gospel and it borrows a lot of poetic language from the Psalms. “Mine was the sin that drove the bitter nails and hung Him on that judgment tree.” Overall, I love using that phrase, “I will glory in...” We don’t speak like that normally, but it expresses a longing that can’t be put into words otherwise.
Go to Dark Gethsemane
Words: James Montgomery, 1850. Music: Richard Redhead, 1853
I often search our hymnal for jewels that maybe we’ve forgotten about... I think this is one of them (though I’m sure it didn’t escape Chet Smith’s eye and he probably often uses it for evening service). My only gripe about it is that it mistakenly leaves off the last verse in our hymnal for some reason. One of me and my husband’s favorite blogs posted about this song last Easter. Read about it here.
Wish us luck with camping – or better yet, pray for us! I am excited but nervous that we won’t be sleeping very well. And as always, please let me know if you have any comments or questions! I look forward to singing with you Sunday!
