Jody's Devotionals

Lyrics: Carl Boberg (1859 – 1940) English Translation: Stuart K. Hine (1899 – )

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder

Consider all The works Thy Hand hath made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy pow’r throughout The universe displayed;

Chorus: Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

When through the woods And forest glades I wander

I hear the birds Sing sweetly in the trees;

When I look down From lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook And feel the gentle breeze;

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!”

Scripture reference: Psalm 145:1-7,    1 John 3:16-20

Do you ever take time to consider how great our LORD is?

I am a visual person and so I need to see something to really begin to understand it. Nature has been a perfect vehicle to see the greatness of God. In His creation, I see the Creator.

Every child and grandchild I have been blessed to hold shows me our great God. Each child so very different and yet perfect in his/her uniqueness.

Standing and gazing at the Rocky Mountains or the Blue Ridge Mountains or Niagra Falls – it brings me to tears of thanks. How great is our God that He would create all of this? Snowflakes, butterflies, flowers, animals, – and the list is long. All a reflection of our great LORD and His great love.

This is the English title of the 10^th movement of Johann Sebastian Bach’s cantata, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben.

Jesu, joy of man’s desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.
Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.

Scripture reference: Revelation 21

If you do not follow any of the suggested reading in this series, today is the day to take the time to do it. Also go to the Youtube.com link and listen to this performance of the song. Can you see Revelation 21 in your spirit? That glimpse into our future is a Hope encouragement over our present trials, isn’t it? Do you feel the love of the King for His Bridge? WOW!

Text: Edwin Hatch (1835-1889)
Music: ST. COLUMBA, CM. Traditional Gaelic folk tune.

O breathe on me, O breath of God, fill me with life anew,
that I may love the things you love, and do what you would do.

O breathe on me, O breath of God, until my heart is pure;
until my will is one with yours, to do and to endure.

O breathe on me, O breath of God, my will to yours incline,
until this selfish part of me glows with Your fire divine.

O breathe on me, O breath of God, so I shall never die,
but live with you the perfect life for all eternity.

Scripture reference:  John 14:25-27,  John 20:19-23

Jesus says the Holy Spirit is our Counselor who will remind us of His Words.

The Holy Spirit is Wisdom who will guide us as we do the ministry (serve) in God’s Kingdom. Jesus spoke about forgiveness. Paul described it in 2 Corinthians 5 as the ministry of reconciliation. We need the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Many may find the Holy Spirit dangerous. They would be right. When the Holy Spirit is present (prophets, Pentecost), then people speak and act with the power of God. Our finite understanding attempts to understand the infinite power and scope of our Creator. That can be reassuring in that our Mighty God takes care of His children. He is up close and personal and not sitting on a throne far, far away. But we like to think we have control of our lives and the Holy Spirit shows us how wrong we are in that assumption. We may find ourselves directed down a path we never imagined we would walk and experience events that were not in our plan. I have met and worked with people that would have never come on my radar without the Holy Spirit’s strong leading. And I am so glad He did!

So, Come Holy Spirit! Do not give up on me! My stubbornness is decreasing and You are increasing in my life.

Text: Reginald Heber (1827) Music: John B. Dykes

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

Scripture reference: Revelation 5:8-11

This may have been the first song I ever sang in church. I have a picture in my mind of standing on the kneeler with the hymn book propped on the back of the pew in front of me. I was “garbling” all the words until the song came to “Holy, Holy, Holy”! I could sing that! LOUD! I see my mother patting me on the should – probably trying to quiet me! From the lips of children!
John tells us in his revealed commentary that we are going to be singing a lot in heaven. The angels do not stop singing the praises of the One. If singing 3-4 songs in worship is something you do not do – you may not find heaven – heavenly! If repeating a chorus 2-3 times is irritating to you – you also may not find heaven – heavenly!
You are worthy! Our LORD and GOD!

Text: Charles Wesley (1707-1788 ) Music: Thomas Campbell

And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain! For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

‘Tis mystery all: th’ Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more.

He left his Father’s throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race.
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th’ eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’ eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Scripture reference: Luke 24,  Acts 9, and Acts 12

Do you remember the day you gave or committed yourself 100% to Jesus? It was the moment when you went from Believer to Disciple. You decided no matter what happened – whatever happened, would happen with Jesus.

Luke 24 tells of Believers who walk along the road to Emmaus, as maybe they have done many times in their lives, but they do not know it is Jesus who is with them. The Holy Spirit opens their eyes as they broke bread and celebrated the reconciliation that Jesus bought.

Acts 9 is the famous, heavy special effects “Damascus Road Experience” in which hard-headed Paul meets Jesus in a blinding vision.

It has been interesting to me to hear many people categorize themselves as having either “Emmaus Road” or “Damascus Road” experience. Emmaus Believers may describe themselves as “always knew Jesus” and may even deny knowing a time or date their relationship changed. Damascus Road Believers can usually point to a day and incident when their life took a 90° turn and they committed their lives to Jesus. Does Jesus care on what road we meet with Him? Does He think one road makes a more mature Believer than the other? Are those questions for me to answer? No.

Acts 12 is where my mind connects with this wonderful song, And Can It Be. I know that chains bound me to a dark, smelly hole until Jesus set me free. I have now learned to sing even when I feel the chains on because they are falling off as the power of God in His presence comes near to me. Jesus broke the chains of my sin when He chose to take my sins and die. To consider the distance that Jesus came to be here and bring the love and mercy of the Father into my life so that we may live together forever – hard to grasp, isn’t it?

Text: Martin Luther Trans. by Frederick H. Hedge
Music: Martin Luther Harmony from The New Hymnal for American Youth
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours, thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever.
Scripture reference: Psalm 18

I am not an “End Times” person. I do not look at a specific event and see it as a fulfilled prophecy of Revelation or Daniel. However, I do think it is wisdom to realize that time continues to roll on and Jesus is coming back at the time set by the Father.

Our world is filled with evil. Terrorism is the easy demon to identify. Satan as taken the faith of Islam and twisted it into a Jihad of his making. It is no different than his twisting Christianity into the KKK.

I met a man the other day whose daughter was murdered as she was walking to class at the local university. Random act. He has had to wrestle with God in order to move forward in his life.

Another friend’s son died in a car accident last week. Single car. Lord, what is going on?

Someone I know in Homeland Security tells me they thwart plans every day that have bombs blowing up populated area/events.

No matter what happens – God is Lord Sabaoth – Yahweh of the Armies! Have you read the end of the Book? I have! Jesus wins! God reigns! We are His children! God is the One to run to when the bullets fly and walls are caving in. Even when the earth shakes, God is the Fortress that will stand.

Text and Music: John Newton (1725-1807) Stanza 6 anon.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.

Scripture reference: Ephesians 1-3

Few do not know this hymn. Many know the story of the author’s salvation and restoration to God through the imprisoned slaves on a ship.

My own personal testimony about the healing, uplifting power of these words occurred at my father’s funeral. My dad and I had a – difficult – relationship. Many say it was because we were so much alike. There is a truth in that statement. This song was played – extraordinarily played – on a guitar at Dad’s funeral. It was a healing moment. And the healing did not stop there. It continued seven years later at my mother’s funeral. I was sitting there at her graveside feeling sad and thinking about many regrets. Regrets are a reality on occasions like a funeral but they are not constructive as there is little that we can do to “fix” the regrets at that point. As I was sitting there, in silence, and with little thought I opened my mouth and began singing “Amazing Grace”. Maybe due to my singing voice – maybe the prompting of the Holy Spirit, people joined in. It was another healing moment that has given me great peace when I now think of my parents. I sing this song with great joy now as I testify to the power and all-encompassing scope of God’s love for me.

The Scripture I referenced today may seem long but it will bless you and heal you if you take some time to read and receive it.

Text: Charles Wesley Music: Carl G. Glaser; arr. by Lowell Mason

O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease;
’tis music in the sinner’s ears, ’tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin, he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean; his blood availed for me.

He speaks, and listening to his voice, new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.

Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb, your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your savior come, and leap, ye lame, for joy.
Scripture reference: Psalm 32, Isaiah 61, Revelation 1:4-7

This is a hymn to be played with deep tones and high joy! This is not a funeral dirge but a Life celebration!

Too often we allow ourselves to be drawn into focusing on the details of our life. We see a problem or a situation and it becomes the all of our thoughts and life. Sound familiar?

God cannot lie. He cannot promise something that He will not deliver. When life becomes into a season of trial, that is when I need to push in closer to God. That is not the initial reaction. When life is tough, I want to push away and pull the covers over my head and the blinds down over any sunlight. And this song is not the sad song of my heart!

Call on God’s Promises! Remember the stories of what God has done in my life! Praise Him any way! There is another wonderful song that says it all for me – “Yet I will Praise Him” by Andy Park. I will praise God even when I am in darkness because I know that He is still there. God’s Spirit will lift me up to the Rock – reminding me of the anchor of Hope.

Text: Edward Mote (1797-1874)
Music: William B. Bradbury (1816-1868)

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Chorus: On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.

When Darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, his covenant, his blood supports me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.

When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found!
Dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne!

Scripture reference: Job 13:15, Matthew 7:24-29, Hebrews 6:13-20

I have had Job seasons in my life when I felt that satan’s attack on me and my family would kill me. I asked myself what had I done to bring on this assault and even heard well-meaning friends suggest that I had done something to provoke or invite the attack.

I do not have a final answer on whether my friends are correct. God and I will continue to discuss that. I do know, however, that the anchor I have in Jesus Christ is stronger now because of the storms I have lived. I am more certain now that Jesus lives in me and loves me. I am convinced that God, Creator of the Universe, knows Jody by name and number of hairs on her head.

As I continue in my journey (my life here), I will have other trials. I will have seasons of joy and renewal. I do not know the day or the hour when Jesus comes again and my eternal life begins. I do know the promise of that hope. Until that day, I will continue to build on the Rock, Jesus Christ, my anchor and hope.