The Nativity Story (2006)

The Nativity Story (2006) is a lovely visual adaptation of the Biblical account of Christ's birth and although it does slip up in a couple places overall it is very nicely done. I'm writing this review on my second viewing of this film and I have enjoyed it quite a lot both times I've seen it. It of course in no way replaces scripture but it does help to give food for thought by showing what the events may have looked like. This is a nice film to view at Christmas time and helps me focus my mind and heart on the birth of my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

Story: Powerful, timeless and visually magnificent, The Nativity Story is "a beautiful telling of one of the world's most familiar stories". It was the cruelest of times. Under Herod's torturous reign, families struggled to survive and yet, in the midst of utter turmoil, a young woman's faith was put to the test. Join Mary and Joseph on an incredible journey of hope and discovery. Epic in its scope, yet intimate in its portrayal of this historical family, this "wonderful film" is a family feature that will be cherished for years to come.

Costumes: Show the contrast between the hard working folks like Mary and Joseph and the rich ruling folks like King Herod and the Magi. 

Music: Combines traditional carols with music that fits the actions of each scene. Just a nice soundtrack to listen to!

Inappropriate Content: There is no language or sexual content in this film but there are some scary scenes and thematic elements. Shows some scarier scenes such as soldiers killing toddler boys under Herod's order, Roman soldiers collecting people and animals as payment for taxes. Elisabeth giving birth to John the Baptist is shown briefly and the ceremony of his circumcision is also shown from a distance. Crucifixion of Jewish zealots are shown. Mary is also shown giving birth to Jesus and Joseph helping her. Nothing horrible, this film is rated PG but would be appropriate for most ages.

Biblical Accuracy: Sets the story of Christ's birth in it's historical content, Israel under Roman rule. Does combine events from the accounts in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Does put some emphasis on Mary's life but I do appreciate that it shows her as a sinful human chosen by God. Kind of shortens some of the accounts but does a fairly good job staying true to the scriptures. But there was no a choir of angels announcing the birth to the shepherds and the wisemen are incorrectly shown arriving at the time of Christ's birth instead of two years after, as the scriptures say. The wisemen decide on their own not to go back to King Herod instead of seeing it in a dream. Joseph is told in a dream to leave Bethlehem for Egypt but it is very shortly after Jesus is born instead of two years after as the gospel of Matthew says. Film does have some characters jumping to conclusions about the birth of Christ, things they probably wouldn't have known yet, but it is neat to hear those connections that we know now because we have the complete scriptures.

Character Portrayals:

• Mary - Has a quiet, thoughtful and gentle spirit but is still portrayed as a sinful human who also needs to trust Christ as her savior.  
• Joseph - Portrayed as an extremely kind and honorable man who loves Mary greatly. His great disappointment, confusion and anger when he finds out Mary is with child was very convincing. I like how it shows him sacrificing for his wife and even the donkey on their journey to Bethlehem.
• Mary's Parents - Kind and try to be understanding but have a difficult time accepting the Lord working in Mary and Joseph's lives.
• King Herod - Cruel and cunning man who craves power. His paranoia and menace are just creepy!
• Gabriel - Mysterious but not too terrify, he appears three times in the story. Nice that he is portrayed as looking ethnically the same as those he is appearing too only with a glow about him.
• Three Wisemen - Quirky and add some humor to the story as they journey from Persia to Bethlehem. They are placed coming sooner than they should but they are shown having great faith which is interesting.
• Zachariah & Elisabeth - Elisabeth is portrayed as a quite understanding and inspiring woman, a good mentor for Mary. Zachariah is an interesting character and it was neat when he got his voice back. 

Have you seen The Nativity Story (2006)?

Do you have any other favorite film versions of the birth of Christ?

Something Special For You

I was introduced to this video earlier this week and knew I had to share it with all of you! The style of the video is really cool but the message contained in it is so truthful and meaningful!



Reverse Thinking

Isn't that neat? Gives me goosebumps every time! So good! :)

Immutability

One of the neat things about working for a Christian ministry is starting our work days out with a devotional and prayer time. My co-workers have taken turns giving devotionals on the Attributes of God and a couple weeks ago it was my turn. The Lord brought to my mind the interesting subject of His immutability and I'd like to share a bit of what I talked about with my co-workers.

Attribute of God: Immutability

Definition of Attribute: Not capable of or susceptible to change. Unchanging, constant. 

Bible Verses: 

Psalm 90:2 "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."
God is the same as He was before He created the world.

Malachi 3:6 "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." 
These words from God's mouth, He is Lord and does not change. Because He does not change we are not consumed but sustained.

II Timothy 2:13 "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself."
God does not change even if we don't believe in Him. He is the source of absolute truth and is not dependent on people believing in Him.

James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
There is no fickleness in God or even the shadow or inkling that He will ever change.

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
God the Lord Jesus is never changing, I can trust Him as much today as I did yesterday and trust Him as much tomorrow as I am today. 

Why I chose this attribute and why it's important to me:

• Life is so crazy, mixed up and ever changing for the bad. People change their minds all the time, what they say one moment they will just as easily change their minds on the next moment. God is different. God is the one unchanging, stable thing in this world. He stands firm in the test of time and does in fact uphold all things. 
• Because God does not change this means that His attributes will never change. He is always going to be loving, good, merciful, everywhere present, all knowing, all powerful, all sufficient. His promises will never change either because He will not change His mind.
• Because God does not change I can completely put my trust in Him every day. I can cling to Him and know that He will always stand firm although my world is spinning out of control. 
• Although God does not change He is changing me to become more like His Son, Jesus Christ. He takes me as I am but He doesn't leave me as I am. 1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
• God does not change but as we learn more about Him through reading the Bible our view of Him will change and become more rounded. 

"Consider what thou owest to His immutability. Though thou hast changed a thousand times, He has not changed once; though thou hast shifted thy intentions, and thy will, yet He has not once swerved from His eternal purpose, but has still held thee fast." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1856

"Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,

When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?

When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,

Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love."

- We Have An Anchor, Priscilla J. Owens, 1882

Easter Contemplations

I'm not sure if it's just because Easter falls so early in this year, or that I've been so busy lately but this Easter took me by surprise at how fast it was approaching. Of myself I haven't had time to consider Easter or the story of Christ's Resurrection but reflecting on this past week there's several thoughts on Ester that the Lord has given me (from chapels, Bible studies and songs) that I'd like to share with y'all. 

Romans 11:22 

For the last two weeks my pastor has been teaching on Wednesday night Prayer Meeting about the Goodness and Severity (or Judgement) of God. He mentioned how a lot of people only want God to be a kindly grandfather in Heaven who continually gives good gifts. Other people only see God as severe, a grumpy old man sitting high in Heaven judging them. The truth is that God is both Good and Severe / Just. His Holy nature is so far above our sinful natures that He must Judge us fairly to be guilty, but God is so Good that He created a way for us to come to Him. He sent His only son Jesus Christ, who was both Holy God and a Perfect Man, to take the punishment for all of our sin by dying a cruel death on a cross like a common thief! This is what Good Friday is all about, Christ's death was because of our sin, his death was for us! 

Friday one of my co-workers mentioned Romans 11:22 in devotional time and the Lord brought this thought to my mind: When Jesus died on the cross God showed both His Severity and His Goodness - His Severity was poured out on Jesus Christ so that His Goodness could be shown toward us!

If you've grown up in church like me this concept is not a new one but the connection of this verse to the Easter message had never occurred to me before. It's almost an unbelievable thought that a Holy, all-powerful Creator God could give such a good gift to sinners who have rejected Him, but this just shows how much God loves us!

Smitten, Stricken and Afflicted - hymn sung by Fernando Ortega

My sister got Fernando Ortega's hymns CD Beginnings for her birthday and I've enjoyed listening to the peaceful arrangements of classic hymns played on piano, violin and guitar. The hymn Smitten, Stricken and Afflicted really stuck out to me because the words tell of Jesus Christ's death on the cross and in particular the depth of pain he received when dying for us. He was indeed rejected, groaning, disowned, insulted, wounded and pierced and as the hymn says "Was there ever grief like His?". 

But what was it all for? In verse four the hymn explains: "Lamb of God for sinners wounded! Sacrifice to cancel guilt!"   

The hymn also issues a warning to unbelievers (just as Romans 11:22 does):

Ye who think of sin but lightly, 

Nor suppose the evil great, 

Here may view its nature rightly, 

Here its guilt may estimate. 

Mark the Sacrifice appointed! 

See Who bears the awful load! 

’Tis the Word, the Lord’s Anointed, 

Son of Man, and Son of God.

It's All About The Resurrection 

In all this talk about Christ's sacrifice and death it's very important to remember the real reason we celebrate Easter. Yes Jesus Christ did die but three days later he came alive again and rose from the dead! I was reminded of this in chapel at work this week when a writer for AiG spoke about the Infallible Proofs we have for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (you can read his interesting series of blog articles about the Resurrection here). He mentioned that whenever the gospel is preached by the apostles the Resurrection is the focal point of their message.

Paul goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 - "But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain." 

The good news is that Jesus Christ did indeed rise from the dead, he was seen by those who knew him after he rose and later his disciples saw him ascend to Heaven where he lives to make intercession for us! 

Because he lives we can have forgiveness of sins, eternal life in Heaven and live each day in God's power!

Though we are dead in our sins our spirits can be made alive by believing in Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection. This is the real reason why we celebrate. This is why Easter should be an even bigger holiday for us as believers than Thanksgiving and even Christmas. At Christmas we celebrate Christ's coming but at Easter we celebrate Christ Jesus fulfilling the purpose for which he came: to bring us life!  

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia! 

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! 

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! 

Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

-Christ the Lord is Risen Today, words by Charles Wesley

If you have never believed on Christ's death and resurrection and trusted him to take the punishment for your sins I pray that you will do that today. If you have any questions I would love to introduce you to my Jesus and help you know him as I do. 

If you have believed in Christ Jesus as your savior I have the honor of calling you my sister (or brother) in Christ! I pray that you have a blessed Resurrection Sunday dwelling in the goodness of God! 

Happy Easter!

What are your Easter plans?

How long have you known Christ Jesus as your Savior?

Further Musings On Marrying

It's been a while since I've written a very personal post so I hope ya'll don't mind something completely different than my usual period drama posts.     

"Only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony." 

- Lizzy Bennet, Pride & Prejudice (2005)

In April of 2009 I wrote a post with some Musings On Marrying - my 21-year-old self's thoughts on courting and marrying. Recently I received a comment (thanks Hamlette!) on that old post that got me thinking about what I have learned and believe now, especially how it differs (if at all) from what I wrote then.

That Was Me Then: "I was provoked to thought when responding to a Christian girlfriend's e-mail in which she mentioned her relationship with a young man. A proposal is expected and she intended to accept even though she knows her Christian parents have a "problem" with him. I don't know her young man (he is a Christian) but I do know that my friend has a pretty good head on her shoulders and has been really taking it slow and getting to know him before this point. I've been in prayer for her and am going to encourage her to really pray and talk to her parents before becoming engaged.

This scenario saddens me a bit because my first thought is "I could never marry someone my parents didn't like". It really started me thinking about honoring my parents and I know that one of my requirements in finding a mate is that my parents love the man I'm going to marry. I know part of my personality is a desire to please others but I also really trust and value my parent's opinion to the point where I'd trust them with picking a husband for me. Is this a really warped and old-fashioned view or am I at least sort of on the right path? I mean I wouldn't want to marry without love but is an "arranged" marriage such a bad idea?" - quoted from original Musings On Marrying post

"...you're right it's very different when families face life decisions with prayer, unity and looking always for God's will. Moving cautiously is certainly one of those things the world looks at strangely. Probably one reason why so many marriages end in divorce today is because couples move fast relying on their feelings alone and don't take the time to really get to know each other building a strong friendship first. And certainly most couples don't take the time to work at their marriage or pray over it. 

Romance is something that our society holds on to, it's what gives them a sort of 'high' feeling. While romance is important it's not as important as knowing the person you're vowing to spend the rest of your life with. 

As far as arranged marriages I'm not sure I'd advocate marrying someone your parents chose and then getting to know him, but I think it is very important to have your parent's approval - that would help with the 'horrid in-laws' image too. 

For myself I guess I just feel confidant that my parents have taken these past 21 years to learn and mold who I am and know me so very well that they could be trusted with going out and finding a suitable match. For one, I know they love me very much and I'm close to their heart so they would look for someone who'd fit me perfectly. Secondly, we just don't have that many secrets from each other, they know what I like in a guy (I'm very opinionated, or should I say my standards are high). And thirdly I know they'd bathe their decision in prayer. My wish is sometimes that when the right man comes along my parents and friends will recognize him before I do. Wouldn't that be something!" - quoted from my response to comments, Musings On Marrying 

This Is Me Now: First of all that Christian girlfriend married her young man in April 2011 and I had the privilege of being a bridesmaid at her wedding (read my post with Wedding Photos). The Lord was in every detail of the special day and I feel so incredibly blessed that I got to share in it. There was still a bit of tension on that day and I was sorry to see that the couple's parents really didn't know each other very well. I was also quite surprised to see that her family had very little time allotted to offer help in decorating or even for the rehearsal.

What are my thoughts and prayers about dating / courtship and marriage today? Well, in most ways my thoughts are not much changed from what they were four years ago. I still am living at home and in many ways my parents are very much involved in my life - I see them every day and consult them often before making decisions and with spiritual matters. I still feel that if my parents weren't supportive of my relationship with a guy that would be a strong indicator that the guy wasn't right for me. It's also still very important to me that a relationship starts with a strong friendship before it turns to thoughts of romance. It still doesn't seem right to just run around dating new people every other thing - there's so much heartache and emotional baggage in those kinds of relationships that's just not worth it. Emotional as well as physical purity is so important to strive for. These are the things I want for myself and what I encourage younger ladies (like my own dear sister) to strive for - God's best.

Would I still feel comfortable letting my parents choose my future husband? Actually I would! Mom and dad still know me really well, better than my friends at this point. My father works for a ministry now and he's mentioned a few times about keeping an eye out for future spouses for me and my siblings (mostly joking now but there is always that possibility!). I've also let myself be surrounded by lots of other Christians that look out for my best interest in many areas and I wouldn't be adverse to meeting a young man they might suggest. (As a neat side note a guy friend at Bible study mentioned recently that his girlfriend's family has some concerns about him and he's already told her that if there's serious issues they should probably stop seeing each other. I just thought it was neat to see a guy saying "I love you but we shouldn't go against your parents.")

Have I met anyone yet? There's that age-old question that all singles hate! My answer? a big resounding "NO!" Not even any close calls yet. And you know what? that's okay.  My continued prayer is still that the Lord will one day bring the right guy into my life BUT if that's not God's will then that's okay.  Oh yes, it's hard to say "being single is okay", especially since I'm a hopeless romantic and probably always will be! But in the last couple years I've been realizing that the desire to be married is like any desire that we have in life, God always supplies our needs but the wishes aren't always necessary 

Here's some things God has been showing me:

Psalm 37:4

This verse was always one I clung to in my late teens when I was fervently hoping and praying that the "right guy" would come along. It is still very relevant now but in a different way for me as I realize that God does know the deepest desires of our heart if we dedicate ourselves to delighting in Him and His Word the Bible. But I've also realized that as we delight in the Lord and listen to His Word our desires somehow seem to change a bit and line up with what God wants for us. It's not Him just giving us whatever we think we want.

Jeremiah 29:11

I love this verse and the promise it brings that God always has our best interest in mind. He loves us so much and we can safely trust in His plans, whatever they may be.

'Let not those fear starving that are at God's finding and have him for their feeder. More is implied than is expressed, not only, I shall not want, but,"I shall be supplied with whatever I need; and, if I have not everything I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me, or I shall have it in due time." '

- Matthew Henry (from his commentary on Psalm 23:1)

This is one of my all time favorites quotes because it sums up quite nicely what I've learned through reading on this subject of desires. God will supply what we need and He delights in blessing us by giving over and above what we ask and think, BUT He knows what is best for us and only gives us what is good for us when it is good for us.

So here I am at 25-years-old. I'm older than most of the literary heroines I read about. I'm not too far away from reaching the age of Anne Elliot from Persuasion or Charlotte Lucas from Pride and Prejudice and they were almost considered spinsters! *gasp*  Age 30 has begun to loom darkly ahead in the unknown future and I certainly don't have "all the answers" like I thought I would by this time in my life. (Ha! But then nobody has "all the answers"!)  Is God still good? Does He still know what is best? Absolutely!
It would be nice to marry some day and I'm still praying for that friendship that will one day turn into a romance. But right now I can only keep doing whatever work God brings to me - whether housework, writing/blogging, ministry work, helping friends, a "real job" or studying and learning more.

Paalm 19:14 (the whole chapter is really good!)

 Lately this verse has been my day to day prayer that the Lord has given me. I've been trying not to focus on the uncertainties of the future or the mistakes of the past and just focus moment by moment on how my words, thoughts and heart motives are lining up with what the Lord wants from me. It does seem a daunting task at times but He has redeemed me from my sinful life and continues to be my strength. God is so good!  

So now I want to hear from you! What is your story?

Are you waiting patiently for the "right guy" or depressed to spend another Valentine's Day alone?

If you are engaged or married how did God work in your life story?

What has God been teaching you lately?

Very Truly Yours,

Merry Christmas To All!

Lately I've been contemplating Isaiah 9 where Jesus' birth is foretold and Luke 2 where his birth is accomplished. The similarity in wording between the two is amazing!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:10-14

I pray that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! As you celebrate may the love that God offers touch your heart. 

Words Of Thanksgiving

To be honest I wasn't sure if I'd do a Thanksgiving Day post this November.
Oh yes, there is so much  for me to be thankful for this year with our safe move, our new house and a wonderful job for my dad. But somehow without people to gather with for dinner, or a church family to call our own, it's been a bit hard for me to thank the Lord right now.
But over this past week I kept encountering things that have a similar message for my heart: Praise and thank the Lord even when you don't feel like it, because He is worthy!

I'm not sure if anyone else feels the same way I do but I wanted to share some of the things that have been encouraging my heart lately.

Gorgeous November wallpapers like these posted at Faith Hope and Cherrytea. I've greatly enjoyed using these on my laptop over the past few weeks!

These verses have been a big encouragement and perfect for meditating on throughout the day:

"Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation." - Psalm 111:1

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." - Psalm 98:4

There's been a few hymns that have really been encouraging lately:

We Gather Together

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;

He chastens and hastens His will to make known.

The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.

Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Count Your Blessings 

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

This article from Young Ladies Christian Fellowship (YLCF):

"I think when faced with celebrating a holiday in a way that doesn’t fit our expectations, we need to go back to the essence of the holiday. What are we really celebrating? Why do we have this day?" - from When Holidays Don't Follow The Recipe by Trina Holden at YLCF

And lastly for a bit of fun, this hilarious retelling of the First Thanksgiving Day story from Kid Snippets:

Their description of England totally cracks me up. "You dance with balls?"

"Plastic hasn't even been invented yet!" 

"What about corn!?!?!?" hahaha :)

I pray that all of you dear friends and readers have a very Happy Thanksgiving full of reminders of just how much you have been blessed by God. May His praises be on your lips and His joy in your hearts. 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! 

Old-Fashioned Hymn: There Is A Fountain

It's been a while since I've shared a hymn with ya'll and this hymn that I want to talk about today is one that I've sung several times at Bible studies over the past few weeks. As we've sung it the wording of the last few verses were really impressed on my mind as containing such amazing truth but also sounding very poetical. When I was looking up the history of the hymn today I discovered that the writer who penned the words was none other than British poet William Cowper (pronounced like Cooper) - so the poetical wording makes perfect sense!

Check out the music videos below so you can listen while you read! :)

There Is A Fountain

1. There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel's veins;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains:

Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains.

2. The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;

And there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away:

Wash all my sins away, wash all my sins away;

And there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away.

3. Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never loose its pow'r,

Till all the ransomed Church of God be saved, to sin no more:

Be saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more;

Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.

4. E'er since by faith I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,

Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die:

And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;

Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

5. When this poor lisping, stamm'ring tongue, lies silent in the grave,

Then in a nobler, sweeter song I'll sing Thy pow'r to save:

I'll sing Thy pow'r to save, I'll sing Thy pow'r to save;

Then in a nobler, sweeter song I'll sing Thy pow'r to save.

Words: William Cowper, circa 1772

Music: Cleans­ing Fount­ain, 19th Cen­tu­ry Amer­i­can camp meet­ing tune (there are several other tunes used, see here for others)

William Cowper (1731–1800)
Portrait of Cowper by Lemuel Francis Abbott

Hymn's History: Many of the best hymns were penned under trying circumstances in the author's life. There is a Fountain is no exception. 

"One of England’s most popular 18th century poets, William Cowper suffered for most of his adult life with paralyzing depression and insanity. He was saved during a stint in a mental asylum, where his caretaker was a strong Christian. Even following his conversion, Cowper suffered from a recurring nightmare that God had rejected him and attempted suicide several times. One bright spot in his life was his 30-year friendship with John Newton, who served as Cowper’s pastor for many years." (quoted from this article)  

John Newton visited Cowper often and they would take walks and talk about at length about God and His purpose from the church. In 1796 Newton got the idea to collaborate with Cowper on a book of hymns, a plan which he hoped would help Cowper use his poetical gift while focusing on the things of God. The result was Olney Hymns, published in 1779 and used initially in Newton's rural parish and then in other Evangelical churches; six of those hymns, including Amazing Grace and There Is A Fountain, are still found in most hymnals today.

This hymn was written after on of William Cowper's serious bouts with depression and insanity in which he tried to kill himself three or four times within a twenty-four hour period. Each attempt on his own life failed whether from his hand shaking so much he couldn't take the poison, the pen knife being too blunt to punture his chest or the garter used for hanging himself breaking just in time. God definitely had His hand on William Cowper that day! (read more about the incident here.) 

After the episode Cowper walked the streets feeling terribly guilty and asking for God's forgiveness and these words came to him. 'Cowper was acutely aware of his unworthiness and “vile” nature. Yet he clung to the truth that Christ’s blood was powerful to cleanse him — and, indeed, all sinners — of all “guilty stains.” ' (quoted from this article)

Music Videos: 

There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood (Instrumental) - accompanied by photos and verses

There Is A Fountain - Two verses performed by The London Philharmonic Choir & London's National Philharmonic Orchestra.

There is a Fountain - Performed by Ernie Smith in his original arrangement on a 1983 Ramirez classical guitar.

My favorite words come from the last two verses: "Redeeming love has been my theme and shall be till I die" and "Then in a nobler, sweeter song I'll sing Thy pow'r to save". The first quote gives the thought of singing of God's redeeming love until the very moment of death. The second gives the idea of after death the believer will be with the Lord in heaven singing "a nobler, sweeter song" to glorify God. What a wonderful thoughts to dwell on instead of the tragedy that often comes our way.

Last night at Bible study we were studying 1 Corinthians chapter 15 and these words really stood out to me as going along with the same idea of the quotes I mentioned above:
"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:19-22)

"So when this corruptible [body] shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal [flesh] shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?' " (1 Corinthians 15:53-55, emphasis mine)

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

This life is temporary and for those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior there is hope beyond the gave. Praise the Lord!


Have you sung There Is A Fountain before? Do you have a favorite verse of the song?

What have you been studying in God's Word lately?

Have A Blessed Easter!

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

~*~*~*~

Up from the grave he arose;

with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;

he arose a victor from the dark domain,

and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

- Up from the Grave He Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay)  

Words & Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899 

Hope you have a very Happy Easter! 

God Bless,

Very Special Valentine's Day Greetings!

A very Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!

As this day comes around I've been thinking of the many examples of true love from Jane Austen's novels. My mind especially falls on Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.

"Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth!"

When Mr. Darcy first proposes to Elizabeth she rejects him but by the time of his second proposal he has shown himself much more worthy of her returned love and admiration. Elizabeth thanks him for all of his kindness to her family and his reply simply is:

"If you will thank me," he replied, "let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you." 

- Mr. Darcy, from Chapter 58 of Pride and Prejudice

In the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice they translate this part from the book as:

"You must know, surely you must know it was all for you." 

- Mr. Darcy, Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Truly the ultimate example of love was shown by God our Creator sending his only son Jesus Christ to earth to take the punishment for our sins. As Jesus died on the cross and as He three days later came alive again and rose from the grave His actions spoke to us "I thought only of you". And as He continues to gently call sinners to accept His gift of  forgiveness and eternal life His words are "surely you must know it was all for you."

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." - I John 4:10 NIV

My prayer for you on this Valentine's Day is not chocolates and sweet nothings, my prayer is that you have accepted Jesus Christ's free gift of forgiveness from your sins. Having Him as your Lord and Savior is the sweetest gift you'll ever receive! 

Very Truly Your's,