Testimony Tuesday
Every once in a while I like to share a testimony on the history of hymns. I am always fascinated by the author’s inspiration and what events occurred to write such hymns.
Most of us are familiar with “Amazing Grace” hymn written by John Newton and the history of how that hymn came to be. But, today I want to share the history behind the hymn, ‘What a Friend We Have In Jesus.’
Originally a poem written by Joseph Scriven, for his dying mother, which would later become the popular hymn we are familiar with. But Joseph would have suffered two tragic events prior to his dying mother. Given these unfortunate events, his friendship with Jesus was unwavering as you can tell by the lyrics.
In today’s video, the commentator talks about a “deep friendship” with God in relation to that song. I began to think how personal that statement is.
When life becomes nearly unbearable, who do we turn to? How do we cope with such things that travails our hearts? If you were to write a hymn, what would your history, your life with God thus far be revealed in that song?
May you have that “deep friendship with God” as Joseph did. Let it resonate in your longing soul. He is there for us in our deepest pain. He is always with us. He is our confidant, and true lover of our souls. Oh, how wonderful it is to bring everything to Him in prayer.
“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”
Psalm 25:14
See the link below to read the incredible story and history of the hymn:
Every once in a while I like to share a testimony on the history of hymns. I am always fascinated by the author’s inspiration and what events occurred to write such hymns.
Most of us are familiar with “Amazing Grace” hymn written by John Newton and the history of how that hymn came to be. But, today I want to share the history behind the hymn, ‘What a Friend We Have In Jesus.’
Originally a poem written by Joseph Scriven, for his dying mother, which would later become the popular hymn we are familiar with. But Joseph would have suffered two tragic events prior to his dying mother. Given these unfortunate events, his friendship with Jesus was unwavering as you can tell by the lyrics.
In today’s video, the commentator talks about a “deep friendship” with God in relation to that song. I began to think how personal that statement is.
When life becomes nearly unbearable, who do we turn to? How do we cope with such things that travails our hearts? If you were to write a hymn, what would your history, your life with God thus far be revealed in that song?
May you have that “deep friendship with God” as Joseph did. Let it resonate in your longing soul. He is there for us in our deepest pain. He is always with us. He is our confidant, and true lover of our souls. Oh, how wonderful it is to bring everything to Him in prayer.
“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”
Psalm 25:14
See the link below to read the incredible story and history of the hymn:
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From the article link:
The Legacy of the Hymn
“Scriven died in 1886 in Ontario, living the same humble Christian life he always had. He never saw the worldwide impact of his hymn. Yet God used his quiet faithfulness to bless millions.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” remains one of the most comforting hymns ever written because it reflects real life. It acknowledges that Christians face trials, temptations, heartbreaks, and fears. At the same time, it lifts the believer’s eyes to the Friend who is stronger than every storm.
The hymn speaks three timeless truths to our generation:
1. Jesus is the believer’s truest Friend.
He cares for every pain and carries every burden.
2. Prayer is a powerful privilege.
We waste peace when we refuse to bring our troubles to God.
3. No trial is too heavy for Christ.
He walks with His children through every valley and every sorrow.
The story of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” reminds us that God can turn our deepest grief into blessings for others. Joseph Scriven suffered greatly, yet from his suffering came a hymn that still comforts hearts today.
Its message is simple and true. We are never alone, because Jesus is not only our Savior, He is our Friend. He listens, He cares, and He invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer.”
The Legacy of the Hymn
“Scriven died in 1886 in Ontario, living the same humble Christian life he always had. He never saw the worldwide impact of his hymn. Yet God used his quiet faithfulness to bless millions.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” remains one of the most comforting hymns ever written because it reflects real life. It acknowledges that Christians face trials, temptations, heartbreaks, and fears. At the same time, it lifts the believer’s eyes to the Friend who is stronger than every storm.
The hymn speaks three timeless truths to our generation:
1. Jesus is the believer’s truest Friend.
He cares for every pain and carries every burden.
2. Prayer is a powerful privilege.
We waste peace when we refuse to bring our troubles to God.
3. No trial is too heavy for Christ.
He walks with His children through every valley and every sorrow.
The story of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” reminds us that God can turn our deepest grief into blessings for others. Joseph Scriven suffered greatly, yet from his suffering came a hymn that still comforts hearts today.
Its message is simple and true. We are never alone, because Jesus is not only our Savior, He is our Friend. He listens, He cares, and He invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer.”
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Forwarded from Rachel Hyacinthe
Ask again…
Not because He didn't hear you the first time, but because this time, something in you has shifted.
You asked when your faith was strong.
You asked when hope was loud.
You asked when the promise still felt close.
But now you are being told to ask again... after the silence, after the delay, after the waiting wore you thin.
This asking is different.
This asking is costly.
Jesus said in Luke 18 that the persistent widow kept coming.
She was not powerful.
She was not influential.
She had no leverage, only desperation and resolve.
And the unjust judge said, "Because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her."
Let this sink in, persistence moved someone who had no compassion.
So hear the promise hidden in the parable, if relentless asking could move an unjust judge, how much more does it move a Father whose heart is already bent toward you?
Your repeated asking has not been annoying heaven.
Not because He didn't hear you the first time, but because this time, something in you has shifted.
You asked when your faith was strong.
You asked when hope was loud.
You asked when the promise still felt close.
But now you are being told to ask again... after the silence, after the delay, after the waiting wore you thin.
This asking is different.
This asking is costly.
Jesus said in Luke 18 that the persistent widow kept coming.
She was not powerful.
She was not influential.
She had no leverage, only desperation and resolve.
And the unjust judge said, "Because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her."
Let this sink in, persistence moved someone who had no compassion.
So hear the promise hidden in the parable, if relentless asking could move an unjust judge, how much more does it move a Father whose heart is already bent toward you?
Your repeated asking has not been annoying heaven.
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Forwarded from Lord, What Do You Want Me To Know Today?
Me: “Lord, what do You want me to know today?”
God: “When you find that I’ve been right beside you at work in every situation, ironing out every detail, you will not cease to rejoice in My Divine intervention. Looking back one day, you will see how I loved you too much to let you fall at the enemy's bidding. He seeks to destroy all traces of your allegiance to Me.
“Pour yourself into My work and devote your heart to My safekeeping. I will fend off the weapons of destruction being aimed at you. I will be your strength in time of need. Call on My Name, and I will hear you and rescue you every time. You are My beloved child, and I will continue to show you how precious you are to me. Believe I’ve got this!”
Eph. 3:16 (NIV) ~ “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,”
God: “When you find that I’ve been right beside you at work in every situation, ironing out every detail, you will not cease to rejoice in My Divine intervention. Looking back one day, you will see how I loved you too much to let you fall at the enemy's bidding. He seeks to destroy all traces of your allegiance to Me.
“Pour yourself into My work and devote your heart to My safekeeping. I will fend off the weapons of destruction being aimed at you. I will be your strength in time of need. Call on My Name, and I will hear you and rescue you every time. You are My beloved child, and I will continue to show you how precious you are to me. Believe I’ve got this!”
Eph. 3:16 (NIV) ~ “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,”
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Forwarded from Rachel Hyacinthe
There is a question God is asking the Church in this hour, and it is not, "What do you want?"
It is not, "What do you need?"
It is not even, "What are you believing Me for?" The question heaven is asking is simple, "What do you have in your hands?"
When Moses stood before God at the burning bush, he did not feel qualified. He did not feel ready. He did not feel anointed enough. He had excuses, insecurities, and a history that told him he was disqualitied.
But God did not ask Moses about his past, his noscript, or his platform.
God asked him one thing, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2)
And Moses answered,
"A rod."
Just a stick.
Common.
Ordinary.
Used every day.
Something Moses had carried for years without ever realizing its potential.
And God said, "Throw it down."
That rod, used to guide sheep, became the instrument that confronted Pharaoh.
It is not, "What do you need?"
It is not even, "What are you believing Me for?" The question heaven is asking is simple, "What do you have in your hands?"
When Moses stood before God at the burning bush, he did not feel qualified. He did not feel ready. He did not feel anointed enough. He had excuses, insecurities, and a history that told him he was disqualitied.
But God did not ask Moses about his past, his noscript, or his platform.
God asked him one thing, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2)
And Moses answered,
"A rod."
Just a stick.
Common.
Ordinary.
Used every day.
Something Moses had carried for years without ever realizing its potential.
And God said, "Throw it down."
That rod, used to guide sheep, became the instrument that confronted Pharaoh.
Forwarded from Rachel Hyacinthe
That rod, used to guide sheep, became the instruntant that confronted Pharaoh.
That rod, held by a shepherd, became the tool that parted the Red Sea.
That rod, lifted in obedience, became the sign that defeated Amalek.
What Moses thought was insignificant, God saw as sufficient.
We are living in a generation obsessed with more... bigger ministries... larger platforms... louder voices... wider reach...
We keep saying, "God, if You give me more, I'll do more."
But God keeps responding, "Use what | already gave you."
We want microphones when God wants obedience.
We want influence when God wants faithfulness.
We want crowds when God is looking for consecration.
God does not anoint what you wish you had, He anoints what you are willing to surrender.
Moses didn't go back to Egypt with a new weapon.
He went back with the same rod, but now it carried the authority of heaven.
The miracle was never in the rod.
The power was never in Moses.
The breakthrough was in obedience.
What is in your hand?
A prayer life you've neglected?
A gift you've minimized?
A calling you've postponed?
A burden you've tried to outrun?
You've been asking God for something new, but God is saying, "Lay down what you already have."
We don't need more resources; we need more surrender.
The danger of this hour is not lack, it is distraction.
We are so busy building names that we have forgotten to lift His.
So busy creating platforms that we have forgotten to build altars.
What you are holding may look small, but in surrendered hands, it becomes a weapon against hell, a sign to Pharaoh, and a pathway for deliverance.
So stop waiting for another season.
Stop waiting for another assignment.
Stop waiting for permission.
Put what is already in your hand into the hands of God.
Because when He takes what you have been carrying, He will do what only He can do; Stop waiting for permission.
Put what is already in your hand into the hands of God.
Because when He takes what you have been carrying, He will do what only He can do; He will turn obedience into authority, faithfulness into fruit, and a simple "yes" into a move of God.
This hour will not be marked by who had the biggest platform, but by who was willing to place everything they have into His hands.
Because when you put what you have in the hands of the I AM, seas still part, enemies still fall and captives still go free!
-Jessica Jecker Simply Jecker
That rod, held by a shepherd, became the tool that parted the Red Sea.
That rod, lifted in obedience, became the sign that defeated Amalek.
What Moses thought was insignificant, God saw as sufficient.
We are living in a generation obsessed with more... bigger ministries... larger platforms... louder voices... wider reach...
We keep saying, "God, if You give me more, I'll do more."
But God keeps responding, "Use what | already gave you."
We want microphones when God wants obedience.
We want influence when God wants faithfulness.
We want crowds when God is looking for consecration.
God does not anoint what you wish you had, He anoints what you are willing to surrender.
Moses didn't go back to Egypt with a new weapon.
He went back with the same rod, but now it carried the authority of heaven.
The miracle was never in the rod.
The power was never in Moses.
The breakthrough was in obedience.
What is in your hand?
A prayer life you've neglected?
A gift you've minimized?
A calling you've postponed?
A burden you've tried to outrun?
You've been asking God for something new, but God is saying, "Lay down what you already have."
We don't need more resources; we need more surrender.
The danger of this hour is not lack, it is distraction.
We are so busy building names that we have forgotten to lift His.
So busy creating platforms that we have forgotten to build altars.
What you are holding may look small, but in surrendered hands, it becomes a weapon against hell, a sign to Pharaoh, and a pathway for deliverance.
So stop waiting for another season.
Stop waiting for another assignment.
Stop waiting for permission.
Put what is already in your hand into the hands of God.
Because when He takes what you have been carrying, He will do what only He can do; Stop waiting for permission.
Put what is already in your hand into the hands of God.
Because when He takes what you have been carrying, He will do what only He can do; He will turn obedience into authority, faithfulness into fruit, and a simple "yes" into a move of God.
This hour will not be marked by who had the biggest platform, but by who was willing to place everything they have into His hands.
Because when you put what you have in the hands of the I AM, seas still part, enemies still fall and captives still go free!
-Jessica Jecker Simply Jecker
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Forwarded from Lord is my Light
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”
John 14:8
John 14:8
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Testimony Tuesday
How many of us have loved ones that do not really know Jesus? You know they are not fully surrendered to Christ, and yet we are eager for them to be saved.
Some of us have been praying for those loved ones for a long time, years, or even decades, and yet it remains to be seen any evidence or hope for change.
If there is anything I’ve learned over the years while praying for those loved ones is, pushing, nagging, and begging will not bring them any closer to Jesus.
Of course our hearts are in the right place, and we want them to know how much God loves them, but “their” hearts are simply not ready.
So rather than get frustrated, we can bring it before the Lord and take our hands off and pray.
There is nothing wrong with being persistent in our prayers. But, let’s stay faithful, because James 5:16 says, “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
Don’t stop. Prayer is warfare!
We take authority over those things that keep our loved ones from hearing the truth.
Our fervency has a way of dislodging the enemy.
We pray until something happens.
We’ve already planted the seed, someone else will come water that seed and the rest is up to the Lord. Growth is happening even when we can’t see it. God is working the soil around that seed we planted. Trust the Holy Spirit’s process. Our harvest is coming.
Let’s surrender our loved ones to the Lord.
“Dear Lord, you know! You love them even more than I do! I release my control to change them.
God, You alone have the power to open their eyes to Your truth.
You can soften the hardest of hearts.
Lord, I’ve planted the seeds. There is nothing more I can do but pray for someone else to come along side and water that seed. In your perfect timing growth will happen.
I claim Your promise from Isaiah 55:11,
'So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.'
Your Word also says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” (John 6:44)
Lord, draw them close to You!
Lord, You continue to lead them to the way of the everlasting. They need You Jesus, help them to realize just how great their need for You is. Show them who You truly are and draw them close to your heart once and for all.
I surrender this person to you right now.
I thank you for the harvest that is to come.
In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen”
How many of us have loved ones that do not really know Jesus? You know they are not fully surrendered to Christ, and yet we are eager for them to be saved.
Some of us have been praying for those loved ones for a long time, years, or even decades, and yet it remains to be seen any evidence or hope for change.
If there is anything I’ve learned over the years while praying for those loved ones is, pushing, nagging, and begging will not bring them any closer to Jesus.
Of course our hearts are in the right place, and we want them to know how much God loves them, but “their” hearts are simply not ready.
So rather than get frustrated, we can bring it before the Lord and take our hands off and pray.
There is nothing wrong with being persistent in our prayers. But, let’s stay faithful, because James 5:16 says, “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
Don’t stop. Prayer is warfare!
We take authority over those things that keep our loved ones from hearing the truth.
Our fervency has a way of dislodging the enemy.
We pray until something happens.
We’ve already planted the seed, someone else will come water that seed and the rest is up to the Lord. Growth is happening even when we can’t see it. God is working the soil around that seed we planted. Trust the Holy Spirit’s process. Our harvest is coming.
Let’s surrender our loved ones to the Lord.
“Dear Lord, you know! You love them even more than I do! I release my control to change them.
God, You alone have the power to open their eyes to Your truth.
You can soften the hardest of hearts.
Lord, I’ve planted the seeds. There is nothing more I can do but pray for someone else to come along side and water that seed. In your perfect timing growth will happen.
I claim Your promise from Isaiah 55:11,
'So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.'
Your Word also says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” (John 6:44)
Lord, draw them close to You!
Lord, You continue to lead them to the way of the everlasting. They need You Jesus, help them to realize just how great their need for You is. Show them who You truly are and draw them close to your heart once and for all.
I surrender this person to you right now.
I thank you for the harvest that is to come.
In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen”
🙏12❤1
Forwarded from Filling Our Cups With Hope
Clean on the Outside, Empty on the Inside...
Studying John 3, it confronts one of the most uncomfortable truths of the spiritual life: it is possible to be close to God in activity, yet far from Him in intimacy.
Nicodemus did not come to Jesus as a rebel or a skeptic. He came as a leader, a teacher of the Law, a man whose life looked disciplined and devout. He knew the Scriptures. He guarded the commandments. He carried spiritual authority. If anyone looked “right” before God, it was him.
Yet Jesus did not applaud his obedience. He did not commend his morality. He did not affirm his religious résumé.
Instead, Jesus spoke words that cut through every layer of performance: “You must be born again.”
In other words: what you have is not enough.
This is where John 3 becomes unsettling. Because it reveals that we can polish our behavior and still possess an untouched heart. We can clean the outside while the inside remains empty, untouched by the life of God.
Religion excels at managing appearances.
It teaches us how to act holy, sound spiritual, and look transformed. But only the Spirit can make us alive.
You can remove visible sins and still carry hidden pride. You can discipline your body and still resist surrender. You can pray, fast, serve, and still be living off yesterday’s encounters instead of today’s dependence.
Nicodemus needed more than information, he needed regeneration. More than correction, he needed resurrection.
Jesus was not offering Nicodemus a better version of his old life. He was calling him to an entirely new one.
To be “born again” is not self-improvement. It is not spiritual effort. It is not moral adjustment. It is the death of self-rule and the birth of God-rule.
John 3 reminds us that the gospel is not about becoming better people, but about becoming new creations. The Spirit does not come to assist our old nature, He comes to replace it.
Clean hands without a transformed heart still leave us spiritually dry. A controlled life without surrender still lacks power. A faith built on effort instead of intimacy will eventually collapse.
Jesus’ words to Nicodemus echo to us today: Do not settle for outward change when heaven is offering inward life.
The question John 3 leaves us with is deeply personal: Are we protecting our reputation, or surrendering our hearts? Are we practicing religion, or experiencing rebirth? Are we clean on the outside, but still empty within?
Because in the kingdom of God, cleanliness without newness is not salvation. Only those made alive by the Spirit will truly live ☕️
Studying John 3, it confronts one of the most uncomfortable truths of the spiritual life: it is possible to be close to God in activity, yet far from Him in intimacy.
Nicodemus did not come to Jesus as a rebel or a skeptic. He came as a leader, a teacher of the Law, a man whose life looked disciplined and devout. He knew the Scriptures. He guarded the commandments. He carried spiritual authority. If anyone looked “right” before God, it was him.
Yet Jesus did not applaud his obedience. He did not commend his morality. He did not affirm his religious résumé.
Instead, Jesus spoke words that cut through every layer of performance: “You must be born again.”
In other words: what you have is not enough.
This is where John 3 becomes unsettling. Because it reveals that we can polish our behavior and still possess an untouched heart. We can clean the outside while the inside remains empty, untouched by the life of God.
Religion excels at managing appearances.
It teaches us how to act holy, sound spiritual, and look transformed. But only the Spirit can make us alive.
You can remove visible sins and still carry hidden pride. You can discipline your body and still resist surrender. You can pray, fast, serve, and still be living off yesterday’s encounters instead of today’s dependence.
Nicodemus needed more than information, he needed regeneration. More than correction, he needed resurrection.
Jesus was not offering Nicodemus a better version of his old life. He was calling him to an entirely new one.
To be “born again” is not self-improvement. It is not spiritual effort. It is not moral adjustment. It is the death of self-rule and the birth of God-rule.
John 3 reminds us that the gospel is not about becoming better people, but about becoming new creations. The Spirit does not come to assist our old nature, He comes to replace it.
Clean hands without a transformed heart still leave us spiritually dry. A controlled life without surrender still lacks power. A faith built on effort instead of intimacy will eventually collapse.
Jesus’ words to Nicodemus echo to us today: Do not settle for outward change when heaven is offering inward life.
The question John 3 leaves us with is deeply personal: Are we protecting our reputation, or surrendering our hearts? Are we practicing religion, or experiencing rebirth? Are we clean on the outside, but still empty within?
Because in the kingdom of God, cleanliness without newness is not salvation. Only those made alive by the Spirit will truly live ☕️
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