Faith of our fathers living still
In spite of dungeon fire and sword
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious word
Faith of Our Fathers 1849
By: Frederick William Faber (1814 – 1863)
Listen to this a cappella version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we begin our journey through this hymn ask yourself if you can make the commitment of the refrain. “Faith of our father, holy faith, we will be true to Thee ’til death.” That is quite a commitment! Let’s think about this.
Heartbeat
What makes your heart skip a beat? There are any number of things that effect us on such a level, and they vary from one person to the next. Those things impact us at a very deep level because they bring a joy that little else can.
Is there anything in your life that the mere thought of increases the beats per minute of your heart? If so, think about that thing for just a moment. Did it effect you even now?
While there is a vast array of things that might effect each of us, there is one thing that should have a similar effect on every one of us. The Word of the the Lord. Whether the words of Jesus speaking to our hearts or the written Word of God, there is an inherent power in each to impact our hearts.
O how our hearts beat high with joy
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 ESV
When Jesus spoke His words to His disciples He was speaking His joy into their hearts. When we hear His word today that same joy is kindled. Are you making time to allow your heart to receive that joy, or are the things of this world clamoring for your time and attention?
What fills your heart with joy? What makes it beat the strongest? Maybe it is when your loved one calls your name. Or when your favorite team wins the big game. Maybe when the phone rings when you are expecting good news. Ask the Spirit to reveal what makes your heart leap.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider what makes your heart beat. Though there are things of earth that can, we should certainly long for the Word of God to have that effect on us. Pray this simple prayer, “Spirit, what fills my heart with joy?”
Hearing
So do you long to hear it, or set your eyes to it?
God’s word changes us. I like to say that I enjoy reading the Bible because the more I do the clearly it becomes that the Bible is reading me. Being familiar with God’s word allows us to experience the living nature of it. It is truly unlike any other book.
It is glorious because of that ability to change us. Even if we fail to let it, the glory of it is unchanged, but is simply lost on us. It remains glorious. Determine today that you will allow glory of God’s word to change your life. Then listen to it. Every day.
Whene’er we hear that glorious word
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 ESV
We must make time to hear the glorious word of Christ. If we do not we are forsaking a joy that could be ours. When we think of the sacrifice of those who have handed their faith down to us we should be compelled to place a higher value on it than we do sometimes.
Does the glorious Word of God delight your soul? Or has something else enamored it even more. You may be willing to lay down your life for whatever does delight you, but you certainly will not for what does not. Some have been willing to die for the faith that Word makes plain. May we be true to death as were they.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about the glory of God’s word. Have you experienced it making your heart beat high with joy? If so, then you can pray simply with a quiet resolve, “Lord, help us be true to death.” If not, ask Him to reveal the glory of His Word to you today.
Lord, thank You for the glory of Your word. I want to experience it regularly, so help me make certain to listen to it accordingly. We I fail to listen it does not become less glorious, only less so to me. Help me hear it today. In Jesus name. Amen.
Attentive Thinking!
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Podcast 36.1 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
Faith of our fathers living still
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. Hebrews 11:1-2 ESV
The faith of those who have gone before us is such an important part of our story. They believed what they could not see and were commended for it. Their faith lives on in us still, past the end of their earthly lives, and creates a legacy for all who will believe.
In spite of dungeon fire and sword
Who through faith…stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Hebrews 11:33b-34ESV
Many of those whose faith has been imparted to us paid a high price to live that faith. Some even gave their lives so they would not have to deny their faith. Some were victorious in life but others in death. Nothing could rob the of the joy of standing strong in their faith.
O how our hearts beat high with joy
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 ESV
When Jesus spoke His words to His disciples He was speaking His joy into their hearts. When we hear HIs word today that same joy is kindled. Are you making time to allow your heart to receive that joy, or are the things of this world clamoring for your time and attention?
Whene’er we hear that glorious word
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 ESV
We must make time to hear the glorious word of Christ. If we do not we are forsaking a joy that could be ours. When we think of the sacrifice of those who have handed their faith down to us we should be compelled to place a higher value on it than we do sometimes.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the Refrain.
Faith of our fathers living still
In spite of dungeon fire and sword
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious word
Faith of our father, holy faith,
We will be true to thee ’til death.
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, Be Resonant.
The post How is the Hearing of Your Heart? appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attribution
O how our hearts beat high with joy – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/love-heart-beat-heartbeat-monitor-313417/
Whene’er we hear that glorious word – https://pixabay.com/photos/a-book-bible-religious-gold-3005680/
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