I was diligently looking for the scripture that said “Praise God from who all blessings flow” and I realized that, while based on biblical truths, it is not verbatim scripture from the Bible. Tis instead from a song written almost three hundred years ago.
It is so incredible when we begin to realize that God did not stop when he completed the 1,189 chapters, 31,173 verses, 807,361 words in the Bible.
He did not stop with the parables of the Gospels.
God still, today, has things to say and as long as we keep our eyes, ears and hearts tuned to Him, we will still see His words and teachings all around us; a continuous flow of comfort, restoration and salvation for those yet wandering in the desert on the fringe of the Promised Land. Amen and Ehmen.
For those who are interested, more about this “hymn about Him”….borrowed from http://www.cyberhymnal.com. Enjoy!
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Ken wrote this hymn at a time when the established church believed only Scripture should be sung as hymns—with an emphasis on the Psalms. Some considered it sinful and blasphemous to write new lyrics for church music, akin to adding to the Scriptures. In that atmosphere, Ken wrote this and several other hymns for the boys at Winchester College, with strict instructions that they use them only in their rooms, for private devotions. Ironically, the last stanza has come into widespread use as the Doxology, perhaps the most frequently used piece of music in public worship. At Ken’s request, the hymn was sung at his funeral, fittingly held at sunrise.
Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise,
To pay thy morning sacrifice.Thy precious time misspent, redeem,
Each present day thy last esteem,
Improve thy talent with due care;
For the great day thyself prepare.By influence of the Light divine
Let thy own light to others shine.
Reflect all Heaven’s propitious ways
In ardent love, and cheerful praise.In conversation be sincere;
Keep conscience as the noontide clear;
Think how all seeing God thy ways
And all thy secret thoughts surveys.Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
And with the angels bear thy part,
Who all night long unwearied sing
High praise to the eternal King.All praise to Thee, who safe has kept
And hast refreshed me while I slept
Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake
I may of endless light partake.Heav’n is, dear Lord, where’er Thou art,
O never then from me depart;
For to my soul ’tis hell to be
But for one moment void of Thee.Lord, I my vows to Thee renew;
Disperse my sins as morning dew.
Guard my first springs of thought and will,
And with Thyself my spirit fill.Direct, control, suggest, this day,
All I design, or do, or say,
That all my powers, with all their might,
In Thy sole glory may unite.I would not wake nor rise again
And Heaven itself I would disdain,
Wert Thou not there to be enjoyed,
And I in hymns to be employed.Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
woke up early and decided to walk as the sun rose. There is just something about watching the light cut through the dark that gives glorious hope. I could almost feel my spirit smile. But, as I got about halfway through my one mile circle, I realized that the sun was no longer in front of me, but behind me and that I was now walking in shadows. It was then that I heard the Teacher say: “See, dear child, when you walk toward me, there is always hope, but turn your back on me and you always walk in shadows.” Needless to say, I turned around. Amen and Ehmen.
to begin with was difficult at best and I had to stop everything and pray for God’s help in bringing me back to Himself.
from the deepest recesses of my soul, the inner places where You dwell in all Your holiness and righteousness. Thank you for sending Your son and for Him taking on human suffering and death just so that we could live with You forever. I am overwhelmed by Your grace and love for me and, though I am eternally sorry for my sins and shortcomings, I am eternally grateful for Your grace and forgiveness and, most especially, your gift of salvation, wrapped in the arms of Jesus and presented to us freely. All we have to do is believe and accept, both of which I do, wholeheartedly. Thank you, Jesus, for what You endured; for Your obedience to the Father, no matter what; and for making a way for me. May I become more and more like You as the seconds and minutes tick past. I don’t want to waste any more time. Help me to stay focused on Your will and purpose. Father, Your will be done, on earth and in me, just as it is in Heaven. Amen and Ehmen.
foolproof way for the very ones that were created in God’s own image to live forever in His Presence. It was and is the invitation of all invitations and it is extended to each and every one of us.
I just went for a walk on this rainy evening. In taking in the sweet smells of rain intermingling with newly bloomed flowers, I began to wonder if this could possibly be the scent of heaven. Just then, I fully believe that God, disguised as gentle raindrops, began tapping me on my shoulder. Focusing my mind on Him, I heard Him whisper in my ear, a little lesson on rain. “Have you ever really thought about the miracle of rain—life-giving waters that I send from Heaven to first wash away the dirt and the grime and then to feed all MY many beautiful trees and flowers and plants,” he quizzed. “Brenda, my child, just like the rains I pour onto the earth to cleanse, give and sustain life there, I want nothing more than to rain down on you. I planted your seed years ago, but for you to become the fully-developed, blossoming, beautiful, breathtaking and fruitful one that I intended for you to be, you must allow me to rain down on you. You must trust in me that through my plans for your life, you will be cleansed and you will be fully drenched in My Living Waters that will not only make you live your earthly life in full bloom, consequently spreading roots and seeds that will grow My Kingdom here on earth, but will give you the ultimate eternal life with Me.” Lord, God, I praise you and pray that you rain down on me, today and forever. I give you my life for Your purpose. Direct my steps and let it rain. Amen and Ehmen!
every year around Easter, that affection grows. Have you ever wondered why Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem oh so many years ago on what we now call Palm Sunday? Why not a strong, valiant horse? A horse worthy to roam the king’s pastures? 
Amen and Ehmen! 