ThoughtSeeds

At a series of revival meetings, a soloist was singing each night and then leaving before the preaching started. William Kirkpatrick, a minister and song-composer, was troubled by this and began praying for the young man. God led him to compose and write a hymn for the soloist to sing. That evening, he handed the soloist the music and the words, and the man sang them. Instead of leaving, as had been his custom, he stayed and listened to the preaching. At the end of the service, he was one of the first people to respond to the Gospel invitation. That hymn, written for that soloist, has touched many lives since then. Come on in and learn more about William Kirkpatrick and his hymn, "Lord, I'm Coming Home."

1. https://hymnary.org/person/Kirkpatrick_William
2. http://nickel-notes.blogspot.com/2012/03/hymn-history-lord-im-coming-home.html
3. https://hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com/2008/09/12/quotlord-i039m-coming-homequot/

We're back in Luke 15, in the parable of the Prodigal Son, as we look at how the father in this story showed love to his son. How can we show love to a prodigal, both in the time they're living apart from God, and when they're restored? How do we love them through that entire process and continue to walk in integrity and faith in our lives? Look with me at the Heavenly Father to follow His example as we study His Word to learn more about this.

1. https://www.biola.edu/blogs/biola-magazine/2010/the-prodigal-sons-father-shouldnt-have-run
2. https://www.ncregister.com/blog/12-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-prodigal-son

In the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, the younger son demands his father give him his share of the inheritance. His father quietly does so. How does this show love to a son who's about to go shame his father, his family, and himself through his "riotous and reckless living?" Join me to learn more about loving a prodigal and what we can learn from this well-known teaching from Jesus Himself.

From Elisha Hoffman, author and composer of well-known hymns like "Down at the Cross" and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" comes "Are You Washed in the Blood?" The Salvation Army band loved it so much that the words "Are you washed in the blood?" were incorporated multiple times into a poem commemorating William Booth, Salvation Army's founder.

Interesting history tidbits aside, this upbeat hymn is also serious and thought-provoking, asking vital questions of the one singing. Indeed, there is no other more important question that needs to be answered: Are YOU washed in the blood of the Lamb?

https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/are-you-washed-in-the-blood/#.Yg3RN4TMJPY

In Psalm 23, we're given a perfect word picture of our Shepherd -- the great I AM Himself. From providing for our every need to leading us through the valley of the shadow of death, we are kept on the paths of righteousness when we follow Him. Find out more about how this Shepherd and sheep analogy works for us in guiding us on the path of righteousness.

https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2018/08/he-leads-me-in-paths-of-righteousness-for-his-names-sake/

Proverbs 4:18-19 give us insight into the contrast between walking in the path of righteousness and walking in the way of darkness. One is lit up like the rising sun, getting brighter and brighter. The other is so dark, you don't even know what you're stumbling over. Which one are you on? Join me as we learn more about what God says about walking in His paths of righteousness.

Originally written as a song for children in Sunday School, William O. Cushing's hymn, "When He Cometh," went around the world, sung by believers everywhere.

As believers in Jesus Christ -- God's children -- He calls us jewels in His crown. Find out more about what that means, as we study this beautiful and simple hymn, rich with treasures from God's Word.

1. http://barryshymns.blogspot.com/2017/08/when-he-cometh-jewels.html

Precious gems -- jewels. God calls us the jewels in His crown. He says we are precious, and we shine like jewels. Why are gems so important to God? Did you know they're mentioned over 1,700 times in the Bible? Come on a study journey with me as we learn more about God's heart for us and the beauty of gems He created for His glory.

1. https://sermons.faithlife.com/sermons/124750-the-jewels-of-heaven
2. https://www.gemrockauctions.com/learn/technical-information-on-gemstones/how-do-gemstones-form

Across the Old and New Testaments, we see precious gems mentioned multiple times. Where there are stunning lists of various jewels, they are attached to vitally significant items in God's eyes. Why? Let's study gems this week, and why God says they're important.

From a pastor's son in the UK and an Irish musician, we have perhaps the best-loved hymn in the 21st century. Stuart Townend and Keith Getty brought their God-breathed talents together in this powerful anthem about the life, death, resurrection and power of Jesus Christ. In Christ alone, my hope is found. Join me to learn more about this hymn, rich with truths about our Savior.

1. https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/history-of-hymns-in-christ-alone-my-hope-is-found