Faith of our fathers we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife
And preach Thee too as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life

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.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 conclude 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.

Preach with Love

Our words should always be characterized by love, but especially when we are preaching. Preaching can take various forms as well, not only what is done from a pulpit with the word of God open. Through our words and our deeds we preach the faith of our fathers.

Both those words and deeds should be informed by love. Or directed as love knows how, as the writer put it in this final stanza. So ask yourself if your lips and your life reflect an understanding of love.

And preach Thee too as love knows how

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 ESV

Love instructs and informs our preaching. We are not simply to live out our faith, we are also to use our words to make it plain, to teach it with patience. We are to be ready to reprimand, disapprove, and encourage in every season, and that will require us to use our words.

Love changes the way we preach. When we love friend and foe alike, we are compelled to share our faith with them using our words. But when we truly love, it changes the words we use and the way we use them. It is not only what we say but how we say it. Spirit help me.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider what love knows. Love knows a better way to do everything. When you begin to think of telling or showing someone about you faith always make certain it reveals an awareness of love. Pray this simple prayer, “Spirit, help me to preach with love.” 

Words and Life

Our words must be spoken with love, but we must also bring our actions in line with it. Sometimes that requires that you bite your tongue and other times that your boldly proclaim the truth. Sometimes that means that you refrain from doing something and other times that you act.

This is not easy. To speak or not to speak. To act or not to act. If we allow love to guide us, the decisions become easier.

By kindly words and virtuous life

That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, Philippians 2:15 ESV

Our lives must be in line with our words, otherwise we will not remain blameless and innocent. Our living must not blemish our testimony or words, otherwise we will not shine as lights. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal if there are any inconsistencies in your words and deeds.

Words and life that match. One version said “saving words” which I like even better because few people are saved by unkind words. Saving words imply kindness and care, but our lives must reinforce what we say or our words will be meaningless at best, and harmful at worst.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about if your lips and your living line up. Do you have enough self-awareness to be comfortable with your conclusion? What do you think the Holy Spirit would say about that? Why don’t you ask Him? Then finish by praying “Lord, make my lips and my life congruent.” 

Lord, thank You for helping be preach with love. Help me line up my lips and life so they both convey Your love to the world. I confess I need your help in I am going to have any chance at that. In Jesus name. Amen.

Lovely Thinking!

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And preach Thee too as love knows how – https://pixabay.com/vectors/bible-story-disciples-new-testament-5560735/
By kindly words and virtuous life – https://pixabay.com/vectors/bible-story-disciples-new-testament-5560737/

Faith of our fathers we will strive
To win all nations unto Thee
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then be truly free

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.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 continue 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.

Truth

What is truth?

How one answers that question determines a lot, practically everything that matters. How one lives and dies. What and who one values. What one believes. All these are dependent on how one answers that question.

That is the question Pilate asked when Jesus told him He had come to bear witness to the truth. It seems more like a ridicule than a real question, after all, Pilate did not wait for the answer. Sad since He was talking to the One who declared Himself to be the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Jesus came from God to bear witness to the truth. He was the truth. He instructed us in a new way of living.

And through the truth that comes from God

 …teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

That different way of living is found in the teaching of Jesus. He entrusted them to faithful people, who repeated that activity, as has every generation since. The most revolutionary truth is the fact that Jesus is with us. His presence makes the difference in every situation.

It is the truth that comes from God that reveals the condition of our souls and informs us how to address that malady. We must live out that truth with grace everyday. How will you allow that truth to be seen in your life today? This week? Ask the Spirit for His help displaying it.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how you are living out the truth of God. It may look different in each of our lives as each of us express it uniquely, but it will always be consistent with what Jesus has commanded us.  Pray this simple prayer, “Spirit, help me display the truth of God.” 

Truly Free

The truth sets people truly free. Makes sense, right? How have you experienced that recently?

As we live out the truth of our freedom before the world, it has a liberating effect on not only us but on everyone who believes. That effect is that we are saved from our sin which separates us from God. We are able to live in the presence of God every day and that changes us.

We are not simply waiting to live with God in heaven. We live in Him now. We walk in the truth of Who He is and the way that is changing us.

Mankind shall then be truly free

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16 ESV

Truly free? Free from what? Free from the wrath of God. Saved. When we believe and determine to observe all that Jesus taught, we do so because we are resolved to live our lives in response to His redeeming work in us. Are you truly free? Put your trust completely in Jesus.

Freedom comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of God. We live out the truth of God before others as some did before us, and that truth sets them free. You are not responsible to live out your faith for the whole world to see God’s truth, just your little part of it. No pressure.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about how remarkable it is to be truly free. That freedom can have a profound impact on the people around you. Ask the Lord to help you live in the truth every day. “Lord, may people find freedom through the truth they see in me.” 

Lord, thank You for being the Truth and coming from God to set us free. Help us walk in that freedom every day. May it change the world around us for Your glory. In Jesus name. Amen.

Freed Thinking!

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And through the truth that comes from God – https://pixabay.com/photos/love-forgiveness-truth-bible-4704390/
Mankind shall then be truly free – https://pixabay.com/vectors/feel-free-silhouette-joy-3566550/

Our fathers chained in prisons dark
Were still in heart and conscience free
How sweet would be their children’s fate
If they like them could die for Thee

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.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 continue 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.

Sweet Fate

Sweet to suffer?

Sweet to go to prison?

Sweet to have the devil thrown us around?

That seems crazy! But that is exactly what the hymn writer is advocating. What could lead him to such a strange conclusion? The demonstration of our faith being similar to theirs, that we too might gain the reward of such faith.

How sweet would be their children’s fate

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison…Revelation 2:10a ESV

The church in Smyrna is being encouraged to remain faithful even though some of them are about to be thrown into prison. We can take these words to heart if our faith like theirs ever requires that of us. As their spiritual children we may share a similar fate. But sweet?

We have a faith that has been handed down to us from those who have gone before us. We are their spiritual children and some of us may share their fate. Do we have the perspective that would enable us to stand as strong as they did if we were persecuted for our faith?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider what fate would be sweet to you. God looks at things from a very different perspective and when we embrace it so do we.  Pray this simple prayer, “Father, show me the resolve of my faith.” 

Die Like Them

Not only to be imprisoned, but to die. How in the world could that be considered a sweet fate? When you consider what we inherit when we demonstrate such faith it becomes sweet.

If they like them could die for Thee

…and…you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10b ESV

It would be sweet because of this promise. If we are faithful to death we will receive the crown of life. Again it may seem contradictory, life for death, but the faith of our fathers is one of an upside-down kingdom. Death is life when it comes because we are faithful.

And what if the choice was either renounce our faith or die? Would it even be a choice at all or would we gladly welcome the opportunity to die for our faith as did many of them? Would we consider that a sweet fate or would we see it as a terrible consequence of believing?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about your perspective on dying for your faith. Do you think you could, or would you walk away. May seem easy to say now, but it might not be so easy to do then. Ask the Lord to show you how ready you are die for your faith. “Lord, help me embrace the fate of my faith.” 

Lord, thank You for the saints that have gone before and declared their faith even to the point of death. What an incredible faith they had. Help me to be willing to do the same.  In Jesus name. Amen.

Resolved Thinking!

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Image Attribution
How sweet would be their children’s fate – https://pixabay.com/photos/prison-prison-cell-jail-crime-553836/
If they like them could die for Thee – https://pixabay.com/photos/search/crown/

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.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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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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/

Even so Lord quickly come
To Thy final harvest-home
Gather Thou Thy people in
Free from sorrow free from sin
There forever purified
In Thy presence to abide
Come with all Thine angels come
Raise the glorious harvest-home

Come, Ye Thankful People Come 1844
By: Henry Alford (1810-1871)

Listen to this modern version of this seasonal hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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 continue our journey through this seasonal prepare yourself to come and praise. Prepare yourself but also be ready to issue to eh call to others to join you. What better time than this season of Thanksgiving? Let’s think about this.

Presence

It is the Presence of God that makes the difference in every circumstance. This simple truth changes the perspective of everything it touches. Never is that more true than around the throne of God and of the Lamb.

We will worship Him in those moments as never before them. Finally completely, eternally purified we will live and worship Him forever. We can not even begin to imagine what that will be like.

There forever purified
In Thy presence to abide

No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:3-4 ESV

Though the Scripture has a few things to say about heaven it is still difficult for us to fathom the glory and wonder of forever dwelling in His presence. The only way we can live for even a moment is to be purified. Thankfully He has already made a way for that to happen.

The thing that makes any place heavenly is the presence of God. When we arrive there, forever purified, we will enjoy a communion with Him that eludes us in this age. We will live in HIs presence, holy to the Lord. How we long for that reality and the coming of that purity!

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider heaven. Are you longing for the purity of that place and the worship it will evoke and empower? Pray this simple prayer, “God, how I long to live in Your presence.” 

Come

The longing for that purity, that place, leaves us wanting Him to come and come quickly. His second Advent will be nothing like His first, the one we just celebrated at Christmas. This time instead of coming as a baby He will return as the Lord of all. The angels will not announce His arrival they will accompany it providing a royal escort that defies imagination.

There really is not artistic rendering that can adequately portray those moments. So awe-inspiring will it be that all creation will bow in worship. It will not even be an announcement but a command. How much greater will their song be when He comes to rule the earth? When He comes to establish His glorious harvest home?

We must be ready. Jesus will repay us each for what we have done. So what have you done?

Come with all Thine angels come
Raise the glorious harvest-home

For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Matthew 16:27 ESV

The way He has made rises and falls on what we have done with the gift of life in Christ. When He returns with His angels will He be coming to take you to your harvest home? If you have placed your faith in His redemptive work alone you can rest assured He will.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about Christ’s return. Are you ready? Have you placed your faith in Him? If not, why not do it today. Then you can pray simply with peace in your heart, “Jesus, come with all Your angels.“

Lord, thank You for the promise that You will return. Thank You for making it clear what we need to do to be ready. Help us to prepare and help others to do the same. In Jesus name. Amen.

Expectant Thinking!

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There forever purified In Thy presence to abide – https://www.cwgministries.org/blogs/leading-worshipers-throne-room
Come with all Thine angels come Raise the glorious harvest-home – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/572801646327677355/