Monday, August 7, 2017

Immortal Love

Yesterday morning at church, Ed preached his first sermon in nearly three months. The last time he preached was the day before his intense headaches began. A lot has happened since then.

Ed preached on the will of God, which is a topic he has thought a lot about these last months. Ed has always disliked how easy tears come for him, but I love that he has a soft heart just like his dad. And yesterday I know his audience understood his emotion.

Ed asked the congregation to sing "Immortal Love, Within Whose Righteous Will" which I never remember singing. The words are poignant.

Immortal Love, Within Whose Righteous Will
by Stopford A. Brooke

Immortal love, within whose righteous will
Is always peace,
O pity me, storm-tossed on waves of ill;
Let passion cease;
Come down in  power within my heart to reign,
For I am weak, and striving has been vain.

The days are gone, when far and wide my will
Drove me astray;
And now I fain would climb the arduous hill,
That narrow way,
Which leads through mists and rocks to Thine abode,
Toiling for man, and Thee, Almighty God.

Whate'er of pain They loving hand allot
I gladly bear;
Only, O Lord, let peace be not forgot,
Nor yet Thy care,
Freedom from storms, and wild desires within,
Peace from the fierce oppression of my sin.

So may I, far away, when evening falls
On life and love,
Arrive at last the holy, happy halls,
With Thee above;
Wounded, yet healed, sin grieving, yet forgiv'n,
And sure that Jesus is my hope of heav'n.
Amen.

I could not find a recording of these words with the tune by Charles H. Purday that Hymns of the Church includes. But I did find a video of the same beautiful tune to different (though equally beautiful) words, "Unto the Hills." If you listen to this recording maybe you can sing the above words to the same tune. (If you are reading by email you might need to click over to the website to view the video.)

14 comments :

  1. Thank you for that song, Gina. I will listen to it today. Big hugs to you and your family.

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  2. What a blessing for Ed to be able to share his heart with your church family. Beautiful song - don't think I've ever heard it. Thanks for sharing your heart too! Love and hugs!

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  3. The submission that Ed displays is.................just unbelievable. What an example.
    Dear Lord, be with this precious family.

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  4. I am keeping all of you in my prayers.

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  5. Thank you for sharing the song. You are in our prayers. Yours and Ed's walk of faith is truly precious. God Bless You.

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  6. You were in my thoughts today, and then your post popped up in my email. What a privilege for Ed to be able to preach again. I know the tune of this song but never heard these words. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. What a blessing that Ed could preach his sermon yesterday! God bless your family richly & meet your needs according to His riches in His glory! I am continuing to pray for all of you!

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  8. Thank you so very much for sharing. You and Ed are such examples of following God. I pray your prayers are answered and Ed is here a long time yet. Whatever God's will is.

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  9. What a wonderful blessing that Ed was able to preach. Praising God and continuing to keep you in my daily prayers. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful song and for continuing to bless us, your readers or perhaps I should say friends, with your inspiring words and humble spirit. Blessings to you.

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  10. I just discovered our blog. I was looking for soup recipes and the search led me here. I've read with interest the cancer journey you and your family are on. I'm an neither a nurse nor physician but have worked in healthcare for almost 30 years. I'm a medical librarian as well as a CME coordinator and attend many cancer committee meetings. Believe me, miracles happen - ALL the time. You and your family will be remembered in my nightly prayers. I know that God is holding you in the palm of His hand.
    Blessings,
    Mary E. Osborne
    San Pedro, CA

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  11. That is a blessing that Ed could preach on Sunday! I'm sure the congregation was blessed by his message and moved by his love and submission to the will of God.

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  12. Thank you for the update. I enjoy the update and keeping in touch with your family. We are doing well though we are bone dry here. WE are gong to make salsa today, God had blessed with red beets, green beans and corn. Today we working with tomatoes. They were seconds that would not sell. I am really blessed to hear from youl Thank you and God bless you MKB

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  13. This post makes my heart happy. Praise God for His care and immortal love! Blessings to your family in this journey! ~Rachel

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