Michael Colunga (21 June 2012)
"RE: Blessed Assurance & Washed up Whale"

 
Hello, John and Doves,
 
Fannie Crosby's hymns were well loved by G.L. Johnson, former senior pastor of People's Church of Fresno, California.  He went to be with the LORD on June 29, 2011.
 
He was my pastor for many years, until I moved to San Diego in 1997.
 
Baruch HaShem Yeshua HaMashiach
[Blessed be the Name of Jesus, the Messiah.],
Mike C.
__________________________
Kamie (19 June 2012)
"Blessed Assurance & Washed up Whale"


http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/News/local/2012/06/12/19867616.html  This whale was washed ashore a few days ago in BC (Canada). God brought to mind that although the sin we expose ourselves to may lie dormant for years (like the net the whale was caught in), it can become a deadly trap at any time. The only way to rid ourselves of those traps is to ask Him to remove them and cut them from us when we get entangled in them. lest we die spiritually.
 
During my devotions yesterday the following song came to mind. I have not thought about this hymn for years and could not remember the 2nd verse, which is the one that stands out to me now.
 
Blessed Assurance:
 
Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mind.
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine.
Heir of salvation, purchase of |God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
 
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long (repeat)
 
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my site.
Angels descending, bring from above,
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
 
Perfect submission, all is at rest.
I in my Saviour am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with his goodness, lost in His love.
 
Fanny Crosby - 1873
 
This song was brought to mind by the Holy Spirit while I am having to re-walk through the sins of my past. I am not doing this because I want to re-inflict pain on myself, but because of what is being required of me to regain my career. It's difficult and the attack I have felt has been severe (like the dormant net that suddenly became a trap). This song was a blessing to me and I hope it is to you too. Your prayers would be appreciated as I have definitely felt spiritual battle in my own life. Thank you!
Kamie