True Stories Behind The Hymn Jesus Lover Of My Soul

JESUS NAME

True Stories Behind the Hymn Jesus Lover Of My Soul

“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.”  ~Nahum 1:7

 Charles_wesley pic

The hymn “Jesus Lover Of My Soul” was written by Charles Wesley, an English hymn writer, poet, and preacher who lived from 1707 to 1788.

One of the greatest hymn writers of the Christian tradition, Charles Wesley penned over 6ooo hymns.

“Jesus Lover of My Soul” is treasured as his finest hymn and has been translated into almost every known language.

Though it was first published in 1740, it was not until after Charle’s had died that his beautiful hymn became well known and loved.

Many stories abound regarding the inspiration for the hymn.

According to one story, in the late fall of 1736 on his way back from a brief sojourn in the United States, the ship that Charles was on got caught in a terrible storm.

Ship in Violent Storm

He and the rest of the passengers must have endured a horrible trial of sheer terror and uncertainty.

Author Kenneth Osbeck writes….
Continue reading “True Stories Behind The Hymn Jesus Lover Of My Soul”

Make a Joyful Noise

 

WM-Make-a-Joyful-Noise

In my digital painting “Make A Joyful Noise” the flute player’s hands are large, and seem clumsy as she plays her instrument.

In God’s word, the Psalmist tells us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. It does not matter whether we are talented singers or musicians. He just says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…” Psalm 100:1

God loves each of us. He created us to worship Him just as we are with whatever skills and talents we have.

It brings God joy when we accept ourselves for who He created us to be. We honor Him when we don’t compare ourselves with others. We may feel clumsy and awkward, as if we don’t measure up in some way, but God says, “Make a joyful noise!”

Jesus said,  make a joyful noise“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” ~Matthew 5:5 The Message

In my painting, the Flute Player is playing her flute anyway, even though she seems unsure, unsteady, with her large awkward hands.

Sometimes God will ask us to do something that we don’t feel we have the right skills for, or are incompetent to do, or that we might fail in.

God asks us to trust Him, to walk by faith. “For we walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

walk by faith

He asks us to believe His word that says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

 He asks us to trust in the power of His grace to help us with every challenge.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8

When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and asked him to lead His people out of slavery from Egypt, Moses was filled with excuses as to why he was the wrong man for this assignment.

But God assured him that it was His power that would do the rescuing and that all Moses had to do was walk by faith, trust God and be obedient to all God asked of him.

This is all God is asking of each of us. He might not be giving us the huge responsibility that Moses had, but He does give each of us assignments throughout our lives. Each one of us are very important to God’s plan, though we might not realize our importance to God this side of eternity.

When God told Joshua to lead His people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, He said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9

Fear Not I am with You

 Each day that we live we have opportunities to sow seeds of light and love in our Lord’s Vineyard. He will show us His will if we will listen to Him. And if He gives us an assignment that seems too difficult, remember Moses. Remember Joshua. Remember His promises: “I will be with you wherever you go…” It’s not by might, it’s not by power, but it’s by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

We may feel awkward, unsteady and clumsy like the flute player in my painting. But we must walk by faith and trust God and obey Him and do whatever He asks of us anyway.

For in the end, He will make a lovely song out of our joyful noise we have made unto Him whether or not we were competent in the thing He called us to do.

For God does not base His calling on our talents, skills, or appearances. All He asks is a willing, humble and faithful heart.

Jesus said, “You did not choose me. I chose you. And I gave you this work: to go and produce fruit—fruit that will last.” John 16:16

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, may we have willing, faithful hearts that will humbly obey You no matter what You ask of us, in Jesus’ name, amen.

_____________________________________________________

 “Make A Joyful Noise” Original Digital Painting © 2015 Suzanne Davis Harden All Rights Reserved. Scripture Pictures via You Version Bible App

 * High Quality Resolution Prints Are Available of “Make A Joyful Noise” in my Etsy Shop at Wings Publications on Etsy: Follow the link for more information

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WingsPublications

 

Lord, Help Me Wait

  “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” ~Psalm 27:14

Lord, help me to wait on You, to trust in You, and be patient.

For Thy word promises that “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Help me remember when times are tough that You have never failed me before and You never will. For Thy word promises “God has said, “I will never abandon you or leave you.” ~ (Hebrews 13:5)

Help me to walk by faith and to never lose hope, but to always believe in Thy beautiful promise:“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.” ~ (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Lord, thank You for all of the beautiful promises You give us to encourage us from Thy holy word. 

Help us to treasure them in our hearts and live by them. 

For Thy word assures us, “God keeps every promise forever.” ~Psalm 146:6 (NLT) 

I love You, Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I Will Wait For The Lord

God Keeps Every Promise Forever 

When Patience Blooms

This is a beautiful, encouraging post written by my friend, poet Liana Wendy Howarth. She reminds us that with God, all things truly are possible. To our awesome God be all the glory!! May we praise Him forever for His mercy , compassion, and grace! ~Suzanne

Poetry Cottage's avatarWelcome to Poetry Cottage

The Gift of a Rose
This is the first time this beautiful rose has bloomed in the eight years we have been at our home. My father moved it from under the shaded trees about a year ago, not believing it would ever bloom. A few times I asked the Lord to reveal the flower, to have the rose blossom that He may be given the glory, as my father who is an avid, really avid gardener (his life passion, one who knows most of the Latin names) didn’t think it was possible. The leaves had always flourished even in the shade; but as to the colour of the flower, we had no idea.

Well this morning the Lord averted my eyes upwards to the top of the garden arch. I showed my husband and father and said this is answered prayer. With varying responses from them :-), I am in awe of our Creator…

View original post 386 more words