tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141473902024-03-19T03:14:23.374-07:00The Writings of Dustin BattlesThe songs, hymns, and lyrics of Dustin Battles—follower of Christ, husband to Megan, father to Clark and Jonah, and pastor of Mercy Baptist Church, West Chester, OH (USA).Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-16181384628337621302023-02-09T18:30:00.008-08:002023-02-09T18:31:16.720-08:00"Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy" - Full original text (altered) to RESTORATION<p> <span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Do you know the hymn, "Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy"? If so, you probably know it to the minor key tune, RESTORATION. But if you sing it to that excellent tune you actually are only singing half the original lyrics by Joseph Hart! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I'm not sure why someone in church history omitted the second half of each stanza (and a chorus by someone else was added), but the second half is where gospel grace comes in! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">So I few years ago for our church I lightly altered the original lyrics (since the second half's words didn't exactly fit the 87 87 D meter) and asked a friend to typeset them all together, plus adding in the extra refrain. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">See below for the full text and <a href="https://mercybaptist.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Come-Ye-Sinners-Poor-and-Needy-FULL-WITH-REFRAIN-My-dear-Savior.pdf">click here</a> for the four-part hymn!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">1. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">weak and wounded, sick and sore;</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Jesus ready stands to save you,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">full of pity, love, and pow'r:</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">He is able, He is able,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">He is willing; doubt no more.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">He is able, He is able,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">He is willing; doubt no more.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">2.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Come, ye thirsty, come and welcome,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God's free bounty glorify;</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">true belief and true repentance,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">ev'ry grace that brings you nigh,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">without money, without money,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">come to Jesus Christ and buy.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Without money, without money,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Come to Jesus Christ and buy.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">3.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Come, ye weary, heavy laden,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">lost and ruined by the fall;</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">If you tarry till you're better,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">you will never come at all:</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">not the righteous, not the righteous</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">sinners Jesus came to call.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Not the righteous, not the righteous <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">sinners Jesus came to call.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">4.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Let not conscience make you linger,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">nor of fitness fondly dream;</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">all the fitness He requireth</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">is to feel your need of him;</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">this He gives you, this He gives you,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">'tis the Spirit's rising beam.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">This He gives you, this He gives you,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">'tis the Spirit's rising beam.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">[5.]<br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Agonizing in the garden,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">your Redeemer prostrate lies;</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">On the bloody tree behold Him!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Hear Him cry, before He dies,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">“It is finished!” “It is finished!”</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Sinner, will not this suffice?</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">“It is finished!” “It is finished!”</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Sinner, will not this suffice?</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">6.<br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Lo! th'incarnate God, ascended,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">pleads the merit of His blood;</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">venture on Him, venture wholly,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">let no other trust intrude:</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">none but Jesus, none but Jesus,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">can do helpless sinners good.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">None but Jesus, none but Jesus,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">can do helpless sinners good.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Repeat (in italics):</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I will arise and go to Jesus; </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">He will embrace me in His arms;</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">in the arms of my dear Savior,</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">O there are ten thousand charms.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">TEXT: Joseph Hart, 1759, alt. Dustin Battles, 2018; refrain, attr. to C. J. Taylor (1763–1816) </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">MUSIC: from Southern Harmony, 1835</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">RESTORATION</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">8.7.8.7.D.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><div data-block="true" data-editor="9ohit" data-offset-key="8qpna-0-0"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8qpna-0-0"><span data-offset-key="8qpna-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="9ohit" data-offset-key="b4jdp-0-0"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b4jdp-0-0"><span data-offset-key="b4jdp-0-0"><span data-text="true">Note that the fifth stanza was omitted in the four-part arrangement due to space constraints.</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b4jdp-0-0"><span data-offset-key="b4jdp-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b4jdp-0-0"><span data-offset-key="b4jdp-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span></div></div> </div></div><p></p>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-88630506045809638462022-11-05T17:56:00.003-07:002023-02-16T16:18:52.643-08:00"Beneath the Sun" (Lyrics and Links) A Hymn Based on Ecclesiastes, by Dustin Battles<p>Several people have asked for the streamlined version of my new hymn. So here are the lyrics and links to my new hymn, "Beneath the Sun."</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://dustinbattles.blogspot.com/2022/11/beneath-sun-hymn-based-on-ecclesiastes.html" target="_blank">Annotated version</a></li><li><a href="https://mercybaptist.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Beneath-the-Sun-2022.10.27-FINAL-with-asterisk.pdf" target="_blank">Four-part hymn</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjrwGsO8O2M" target="_blank">Video of me singing it a cappella</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dustinrbattles/" target="_blank">My new creator Facebook page</a></li><li><a href="https://doxology.app/song/beneath-the-sun-5mqa26r3/">Projection slides and other downloads here</a></li></ul><div>Lyrics:</div><p></p><div><div><br /></div><div>1.</div><div>Beneath the sun my soul is sighing:</div><div>how brief a vapor is my life!</div><div>My gain is gone, my days are dying.</div><div>I chase the wind and stir up strife.</div><div>Why is my life, O God, not fruitful?</div><div>Will nothing last that I have done? </div><div>Life is unfair, for all is futile.</div><div>There's nothing new beneath the sun. </div><div><br /></div><div>[2.]</div><div>I told myself, “Perhaps some pleasure</div><div>will fill the void within my soul.</div><div>Perhaps hard work or gaining treasure</div><div>will make me wise and not a fool.”</div><div>But my delight turned into sorrow,</div><div>transformed before my very eyes.</div><div>What charms today dissolves tomorrow.</div><div>Earth never fully satisfies.</div><div><br /></div><div>3.</div><div>There is a season under heaven,</div><div>a task and time for everything.</div><div>I cannot grasp the span I’m given,</div><div>or know what future days will bring.</div><div>Time is not mine to store or squander:</div><div>life is God’s gift to everyone.</div><div>Go, eat and drink in joy, yet ponder</div><div>the work of wisdom He has done.</div><div><br /></div><div>[4.]</div><div>The wise embrace the house of mourning,</div><div>for days are not like wealth to spend.</div><div>But fools reject the fateful warning:</div><div>the grave will greet us in the end.</div><div>What words of woe await the wicked?</div><div>Will they escape the judgment throne?</div><div>The Shepherd will condemn the crooked: </div><div>exposing all, excusing none.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. </div><div>Our joy is tempered by frustration</div><div>amid the earth's futility,</div><div>but God will soon renew creation,</div><div>His plan from all eternity.</div><div>So the conclusion of the matter:</div><div>fear God and do as He commands.</div><div>We will remember You, Creator!</div><div>Our souls and works are in Your hands.</div></div><div><br /></div>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-27244086455883260562022-11-02T13:57:00.004-07:002022-11-05T17:52:12.621-07:00"Beneath the Sun" (Annotated) A Hymn Based on Ecclesiastes by Dustin Battles<p><br /></p>
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class="c25 doc-content"><h1 class="c24" id="h.qkg5qwmg2sys"><span class="c23">Beneath the Sun</span><span class="c14"><br>A hymn based on the book of </span><span class="c14">Ecclesiastes</span><span class="c14"><br>Words: © 2022 Dustin Battles<br>Tune: WAYFARING </span><span class="c14">STRANGER</span></h1><h2 class="c11" id="h.ir6mh52mgvsn"><span class="c19">Lyrics with footnotes to Scripture passages:</span></h2><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c5 c16"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">1.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Beneath the sun</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt1" id="ftnt_ref1">[1]</a></sup><span class="c2"> my soul is sighing:</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt2" id="ftnt_ref2">[2]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">how brief a </span><span class="c2">vapor</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt3" id="ftnt_ref3">[3]</a></sup><span class="c2"> </span><span class="c2">is my life</span><span class="c2">!</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt4" id="ftnt_ref4">[4]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">My gain </span><span class="c2">is </span><span class="c2">gone</span><span class="c2">,</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt5" id="ftnt_ref5">[5]</a></sup><span class="c2"> </span><span class="c2">my days</span><span class="c2"> are dying.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt6" id="ftnt_ref6">[6]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">I chase the wind</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt7" id="ftnt_ref7">[7]</a></sup><span class="c2"> and</span><span class="c2"> </span><span class="c2">stir up</span><span class="c2"> strife.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt8" id="ftnt_ref8">[8]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Why is my life,</span><span class="c2"> O God</span><span class="c2">, not fruitful?</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt9" id="ftnt_ref9">[9]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Will nothing last that I have done?</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt10" id="ftnt_ref10">[10]</a></sup><span class="c0"> </span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Life is</span><span class="c2"> unfair,</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt11" id="ftnt_ref11">[11]</a></sup><span class="c2"> </span><span class="c2">for </span><span class="c2">all is futile.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt12" id="ftnt_ref12">[12]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">There's nothing new beneath the sun</span><span class="c2">.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt13" id="ftnt_ref13">[13]</a></sup><span class="c2"> </span></p><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c2 c28"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">[</span><span class="c2">2</span><span class="c2">.</span><span class="c0">]</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">I told myself, “Perhaps some pleasure</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt14" id="ftnt_ref14">[14]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">will fill the </span><span class="c2">void</span><span class="c2"> within my soul.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt15" id="ftnt_ref15">[15]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Perhaps hard work</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt16" id="ftnt_ref16">[16]</a></sup><span class="c2"> or gaining treasure</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt17" id="ftnt_ref17">[17]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">will make me wise</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt18" id="ftnt_ref18">[18]</a></sup><span class="c2"> and not a fool.”</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt19" id="ftnt_ref19">[19]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">But my </span><span class="c2">delight</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt20" id="ftnt_ref20">[20]</a></sup><span class="c2"> turned into sorro</span><span class="c2">w</span><span class="c2">,</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt21" id="ftnt_ref21">[21]</a></sup><span class="c2"><br>transformed before my very eyes.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt22" id="ftnt_ref22">[22]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">What charms today dissolves tomorrow.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt23" id="ftnt_ref23">[23]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Earth never fully satisfies.</span></p><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c21 c2"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">3</span><span class="c2">.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">There is a season under heaven,</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt24" id="ftnt_ref24">[24]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">a </span><span class="c2">task</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt25" id="ftnt_ref25">[25]</a></sup><span class="c2"> and time</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt26" id="ftnt_ref26">[26]</a></sup><span class="c2"> for everything</span><span class="c2">.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt27" id="ftnt_ref27">[27]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">I cannot grasp</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt28" id="ftnt_ref28">[28]</a></sup><span class="c2"> the span I’m given,</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt29" id="ftnt_ref29">[29]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">or know what future days will bring.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt30" id="ftnt_ref30">[30]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Time </span><span class="c2">is</span><span class="c2"> not mine to </span><span class="c2">store</span><span class="c2"> or squander:</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt31" id="ftnt_ref31">[31]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">life </span><span class="c2">is God’s gift</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt32" id="ftnt_ref32">[32]</a></sup><span class="c2"> to everyone.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Go,</span><span class="c2"> eat and drink in joy,</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt33" id="ftnt_ref33">[33]</a></sup><span class="c2"> </span><span class="c2">yet</span><span class="c2"> ponder</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt34" id="ftnt_ref34">[34]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">the </span><span class="c2">work of wisdom He has done.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt35" id="ftnt_ref35">[35]</a></sup></p><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c0"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">[</span><span class="c2">4</span><span class="c0">.]</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">The wise embrace the house of mourning,</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt36" id="ftnt_ref36">[36]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">for days</span><span class="c2"> are not like wealth to spend.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt37" id="ftnt_ref37">[37]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">But fools</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt38" id="ftnt_ref38">[38]</a></sup><span class="c2"> reject the fateful</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt39" id="ftnt_ref39">[39]</a></sup><span class="c2"> warning:</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt40" id="ftnt_ref40">[40]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">the grave</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt41" id="ftnt_ref41">[41]</a></sup><span class="c2"> will greet </span><span class="c2">us</span><span class="c2"> in the end.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt42" id="ftnt_ref42">[42]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">What words of woe</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt43" id="ftnt_ref43">[43]</a></sup><span class="c2"> await the wicked?</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt44" id="ftnt_ref44">[44]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Will they escape</span><span class="c2"> </span><span class="c0">the judgment throne?</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">The Shepherd</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt45" id="ftnt_ref45">[45]</a></sup><span class="c0"> will condemn the crooked: </span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">exposing all, excusing </span><span class="c2">none</span><span class="c2">.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt46" id="ftnt_ref46">[46]</a></sup></p><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c2 c21"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c0">5. </span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Our joy is tempered by frustration</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt47" id="ftnt_ref47">[47]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">amid the earth's futility,</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt48" id="ftnt_ref48">[48]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">but God will soon renew creation,</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt49" id="ftnt_ref49">[49]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">His plan from all eternity.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">So the conclusion</span><span class="c2"> of the matter:</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt50" id="ftnt_ref50">[50]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">fear God</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt51" id="ftnt_ref51">[51]</a></sup><span class="c2"> and do as He commands.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt52" id="ftnt_ref52">[52]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">We will remember You, Creator!</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt53" id="ftnt_ref53">[53]</a></sup></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Our souls and works are in Your </span><span class="c2">hands</span><span class="c2">.</span><sup class="c2"><a href="#ftnt54" id="ftnt_ref54">[54]</a></sup></p><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c5 c13"></span></p><h2 class="c11" id="h.4gagn4nfo6iz"><span class="c19">Expanded lyrics without footnotes:</span></h2><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c5 c16"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">1.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">Beneath the sun my soul is sighing</span><span class="c2">, which we all do from time to time</span><span class="c5 c1">:</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">how brief a vapor </span><span class="c2">or breath</span><span class="c1"> is my life! </span><span class="c0">Our lives appear for a little while, then vanish.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">How frustrating it is that </span><span class="c5 c1">My gain is gone, my days are dying.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">I chase the wind [and]</span><span class="c2">, thinking it will help, but all that ends up happening is that I</span><span class="c5 c1"> stir up strife.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">I cry out: </span><span class="c5 c1">Why is my life, O God, not fruitful?</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">And again: </span><span class="c1">Will nothing last that I have done</span><span class="c2">, since all seems to fade so quickly</span><span class="c5 c1">? </span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Even children recognize that </span><span class="c5 c1">Life is unfair, for all is futile.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">But that’s not news: </span><span class="c5 c1">There's nothing new beneath the sun. </span></p><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c5 c1"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">[2.]</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">On this journey of life, </span><span class="c1">I told myself, “Perhaps some pleasure </span><span class="c0">(which isn’t necessarily wrong)</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">will fill the void within my soul</span><span class="c2">, that we all have within us</span><span class="c5 c1">.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">Perhaps hard work or gaining treasure</span><span class="c0">—two good gifts—</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">will make me wise and not a fool.”</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">But</span><span class="c2"> when I did this, something surprising happened:</span><span class="c5 c1"> my delight turned into sorrow,</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">transformed before my very eyes. </span><span class="c0">It didn’t satisfy like I though it would.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Here’s what I’ve noticed: </span><span class="c5 c1">What charms today dissolves tomorrow.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">Why? </span><span class="c5 c1">Earth never fully satisfies.</span></p><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c1 c5"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">3.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">There is a season under heaven</span><span class="c2"> that God has given us</span><span class="c5 c1">,</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">a task </span><span class="c2">(what we need to do) </span><span class="c1">and time </span><span class="c2">(how long we have to do it)</span><span class="c5 c1"> for everything.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">I cannot grasp the span I’m given </span><span class="c2">(how long will my life last? will I accomplish what I set out to do?)</span><span class="c5 c1">,</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">or know what future days will bring</span><span class="c2">, since I am not omniscient like God</span><span class="c5 c1">.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">Time is not mine to store </span><span class="c2">(save up some for later)</span><span class="c1"> or squander </span><span class="c2">(time doesn’t matter so I can do whatever I want), as I am inside time, not outside of it</span><span class="c5 c1">:</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">life is God’s gift to everyone</span><span class="c2">, which I did not receive and can be taken away at his pleasure</span><span class="c5 c1">.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">Go, eat and drink in joy</span><span class="c2">—two good gifts!—</span><span class="c5 c1">, yet ponder</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">the work of wisdom He has done</span><span class="c0">, for what’s the point of enjoyment if it doesn’t point me to a greater joy in God?</span></p><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c5 c1"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">[4.]</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">The wise embrace the house of mourning, </span><span class="c0">something very counterintuitive and countercultural,</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">for days are not like wealth to spend</span><span class="c2">, as if it doesn’t matter if I waste a day</span><span class="c5 c1">.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">But fools reject the fateful warning:</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">the grave will greet us in the end. </span><span class="c0">A hard warning to accept that our demise is imminent!</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c0">So what will happen to these wicked, unjust people?</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">What words of woe await the wicked?</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">Will they escape the judgment throne?</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c2">No, </span><span class="c5 c1">The Shepherd will condemn the crooked: </span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">exposing all</span><span class="c2"> of them</span><span class="c1">, excusing none </span><span class="c2">of them</span><span class="c5 c1">.</span></p><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c5 c1"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">5. </span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">Our joy</span><span class="c2">, though real,</span><span class="c1"> is tempered by frustration</span><span class="c0">,</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">amid the earth's futility </span><span class="c2">because of the fall</span><span class="c5 c1">,</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">but God will soon renew creation, </span><span class="c0">when Jesus returns,</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">His plan from all eternity</span><span class="c2">, not something he came up with yesterday</span><span class="c5 c1">.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">So the conclusion of the matter</span><span class="c2">, to boil it all down</span><span class="c5 c1">:</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">fear God and do as He commands.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c0">Yet fearing God is only helpful if done rightly:</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c1">We will remember You, Creator!</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c1">Our souls and works are in Your hands</span><span class="c2">, so we place our souls and works in your hands, for you to do what is right in the eyes of the Judge of all the earth, the one who places our sin upon his Son, Jesus Christ</span><span class="c5 c1">.</span></p><hr style="page-break-before:always;display:none;"><p class="c8 c12"><span class="c5 c13"></span></p><h2 class="c11" id="h.z99zbkwhbrt1"><span class="c19">Introduction</span></h2><p class="c8"><span class="c10">I began to write this hymn in summer 2022 as I preached through Ecclesiastes. The impetus was actually an inquiry from a pastor friend several months prior. He was preaching through Ecclesiastes and wanted hymn recommendations. At the time, I had nothing good to give him. I realized the same thing when I started preaching through the book myself, so I set out to write my own hymn from the book.</span><sup class="c10"><a href="#ftnt55" id="ftnt_ref55">[55]</a></sup><span class="c5 c10"> It’s “Psalmic” to a large degree; that is, it’s unlike a movie “based on a true story,” but rather tries to use words and themes found in the book of Ecclesiastes, as if you were to read one of Isaac Watts’s settings of the Psalms.</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">I based the title, “Beneath the Sun,” on the ESV’s rendering, “beneath the sun” in 2:22 and the frequent use of the word “sun” (32x) and “under the sun” or equivalent (27x) in the book.</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c10">I chose the WAYFARING STRANGER tune because it is a historic folk tune (and thus familiar to many) and also because it is in minor key. The book of Ecclesiastes is in many ways a lament about life lacking the fulfillment a person seeks. Yet I hope that there’s a rest that comes at the end of the hymn, even in its minor key. So my </span><span class="c10">hymn</span><span class="c5 c10"> is a song of lament, confession, and even exasperation, but ultimately about resting in God.</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">I have written out the backstory, commentary, used footnotes, and so on so that this hymn can have the richest and deepest impact possible. </span></p><p class="c4 c12"><span class="c5 c10"></span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c13">Help and resources</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c10">I utilized a number of different resources to do so. First, I did my own exegesis. While I didn’t delve into Hebrew very much as someone not very proficient in that language, I did spend quite a bit of time with my nose in the text each week as I preached through it, wrestling with the grammar and structure of each passage in conjunction with its overall theme.</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c10">I also consulted scholarly works and commentaries on the book. For instance, helpful works have been Robert D. Bell’s </span><span class="c7">Theological Messages of the Old Testament </span><span class="c10">for examining the book’s themes; Thomas Schreiner’s chapter on Ecclesiastes in The</span><span class="c7"> King In His Beauty: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments </span><span class="c10">for a biblical theology survey of the book; Jason DeRouchie’s helpful section, “הֶבְל (‘Vanity’?) in Ecclesiastes” in the chapter entitled “Word and Concept Studies” in his book </span><span class="c7">How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament</span><span class="c10">; and Randy Jaeggli’s book, </span><span class="c7 c26">Embrace Life Under the Sun. </span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">Also helpful were expositional commentaries such as those by Gordon Keddie, Benjamin Shaw, David Gibson, Stuart Olyott, Sinclair Ferguson, Zach Eswine, and Derek Kidner. </span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">I also use Accordance Bible Software about a thousand times a day to look up words and references, examine Hebrew words and lexicons, other English translations, and various commentaries.</span></p><h2 class="c11" id="h.gqnvwitrtn84"><span class="c19">Exposition and explanation</span></h2><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c10">As I understand the Hebrew word to הֶבְל (HBL) to mean, it can be variously translated into English (e.g., CSB [my base translation], ESV, BSB, NET, NLT, NASB) as “futile/futility,” “vain/vanity,” “fleeting,” “vapor,” or “breath,” depending on the context (e.g., famed Hebrew scholar Robert Alter translates 1:2 as “merest breath”).</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">I incorporated this word and concept several times in my poem/hymn. For instance, “sighing” (thanks to Dr. Talbert for confirming my thought that this seems like a way of personally expressing the frustration of the Teacher); “brief… vapor”; “futile”; “futility” and in various other forms to communicate the concept “fleeting” in phrases like these: “life [is] not fruitful”; “they fade before my very eyes”; “what charms today dissolves tomorrow;” and so on.</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">I endeavored to keep the words, phrases, and concepts as tightly matched to Ecclesiastes as possible, while also not being too tight or rigid. I also desired to hint at New Testament teaching, such as trusting in God (“our souls and works are in Your hands”) and the coming Savior (“the Shepherd will….”) like the Teacher himself in Ecclesiastes seemed to. </span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">There’s also hints of Romans 8, which seems to be its logical New Testament counterpart with Paul’s mention and exposition of the concept of “futility.”</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">Next, I attempted to capture not only the themes, but also the flow of the book. That is, each stanza builds on top of the previous stanza as the book builds and shines more light on the topic than previously.</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">One of the biggest critiques I got from fellow pastors as they read earlier drafts of the hymn was the absence of “joy” and “enjoyment” like Ecclesiastes mentions so frequently. I hope that my recent edits to the hymn have helped bring that out more clearly.</span></p><h2 class="c11" id="h.u3wtlgxi92yy"><span class="c5 c13">Practical use</span></h2><p class="c8"><span class="c10">I</span><span class="c5 c10"> wrote this first and foremost for my own church! Mercy Baptist Church, West Chester, OH. I had various faces, voices, and hearts in mind as I wrote and edited this hymn. I pray “Beneath the Sun” is of similar helpfulness to small congregations like ours.</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">Five stanzas (and a lengthy, doubled meter!) is a lot to spiritually grasp. So I could envision “Beneath the Sun” being sung by a church that is working through Ecclesiastes in a preaching or teaching series and using all five stanzas. Or if you’re not working your way through Ecclesiastes, then you may want to use only stanzas 1, 3, and 5. (Though anyone is welcome to sing it using all five stanzas if you want!) I attempted to make it work so that it still flowed well from 1 to 3 to 5 as well as 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5.</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c10">Because this tune is an </span><span class="c10 c22"><a class="c18" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wayfaring_Stranger_(song)&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1667426114613484&usg=AOvVaw2-HZb1ETcsnh3ac-D9ClsC">American folk and gospel song</a></span><span class="c5 c10">, variations on its melody are multitude. I’ve had this tune set in 3/4 time so that if you sing a multisyllabic word over a long note, it’s not as elongated. I also chose a setting of the melody that has fewer leaps than other settings.</span></p><h2 class="c11" id="h.dx44rblrfhl9"><span class="c19">Acknowledgements</span><span class="c19">:</span></h2><p class="c8"><span class="c5 c10">Many people committed time and energy to giving feedback to me along the way. Most notably, Joey Hoelscher, who I bugged incessantly for his thoughts about my newest ideas; Dr. Layton Talbert, my former professor in seminary; Doug Van Dorn; and Dr. Mark Ward. Also, Dan Kreider, Eileen Berry, and Greg Linscott, Andrew French, and a bunch of others took a look at it and gave me feedback. Thank you very much.</span></p><p class="c8"><span class="c10"> I also need to credit Timothy Dudley-Smith, epic hymn writer of the 20th and 21st centuries, who as I write this is 95 years old. I wrote him a letter a few years ago, and to my surprise, he kindly replied!—</span><span class="c7">and </span><span class="c10">he included his book, </span><span class="c7">A Functional Art</span><span class="c10">: </span><span class="c7">Reflections of a Hymn Writer</span><span class="c10">!</span><span class="c7"> </span><span class="c5 c10">Through his kind letter and book I was encouraged to keep writing, keep editing, and not give up (even while pastoring!). </span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c5 c10">In particular, his hymn “When John Baptised by Jordan’s River,” which is in the same meter as my hymn, encouraged me to not give up and not settle. If Mr. Dudley-Smith could write a hymn (and perfectly rhymed!) in this meter, so could I. The jury is still out as to whether I accomplished my task.</span></p><p class="c4"><span class="c10">And most importantly, my wife, Megan, the “wife of my youth.” She embodies the song that I wrote.</span></p><hr class="c27"><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref1" id="ftnt1">[1]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 1.3, 9, 14; 2.11, 17–20, 22; 3.16; 4.1, 3, 7, 15; 5.13, 18; 6.1, 12; 8.9, 15, 17; 9.3, 6, 9, 11, 13; 10.5</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref2" id="ftnt2">[2]</a><span class="c5 c9"> 1.2</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref3" id="ftnt3">[3]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Psa. 62.9; James 4.14</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref4" id="ftnt4">[4]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.17, 25; 3.12; 5.18, 20; 6.12; 7.12, 15; 8.12, 15; 9.9; 10.19; 11.10</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref5" id="ftnt5">[5]</a><span class="c5 c9"> 1.3</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref6" id="ftnt6">[6]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.16, 23; 5.17, 20; 6.12; 7.14; 8.13; 11.9</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref7" id="ftnt7">[7]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 1.14, 17; 2.11, 17, 26; 4.4, 6, 16; 6.9</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref8" id="ftnt8">[8]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.22 (NIV)</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref9" id="ftnt9">[9]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 1.8; 5.10; 6.3, 7</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref10" id="ftnt10">[10]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 11.10</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref11" id="ftnt11">[11]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 7.15; 8.14</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref12" id="ftnt12">[12]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 1.2, 14; 2.1, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26; 3.19; 4.4, 8, 16; 5.10; 6.2, 9, 12; 7.6, 15; 8.10, 14; 11.8; 12.8</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref13" id="ftnt13">[13]</a><span class="c5 c9"> 1.9, 10</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref14" id="ftnt14">[14]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.1–2, 8, 10; 3.13; 4.8; 5.4; 7.26, 28; 11.5; 12.1</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref15" id="ftnt15">[15]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.3; 10.19</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref16" id="ftnt16">[16]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.17–22, 24; 3.9, 11, 14, 17; 4.4; 5.6, 12; 8.9</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref17" id="ftnt17">[17]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.8; 5.10</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref18" id="ftnt18">[18]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 1.13, 16–18; 2.3, 9, 12, et al.</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref19" id="ftnt19">[19]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 1.13, 16–17; 6.8; 7.5</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref20" id="ftnt20">[20]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.8</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref21" id="ftnt21">[21]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 1.18; 2.23; 7.3</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref22" id="ftnt22">[22]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 4.8</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref23" id="ftnt23">[23]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 7.14</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref24" id="ftnt24">[24]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 3.1</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref25" id="ftnt25">[25]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 1.13; 2.26; 3.10; 4.8</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref26" id="ftnt26">[26]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 3.1–8, 11, 17; 7.17; 8.5–6, 9</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref27" id="ftnt27">[27]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 3.1, 11; 8.6</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref28" id="ftnt28">[28]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 11.5</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref29" id="ftnt29">[29]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 1.13; Eccl. 5.18; Eccl. 9.9</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref30" id="ftnt30">[30]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.16; 7.14</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref31" id="ftnt31">[31]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 3.1–8, 11, 17; 7.17</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref32" id="ftnt32">[32]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 3.13; 5.19</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref33" id="ftnt33">[33]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 9.7</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref34" id="ftnt34">[34]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 5.20; 9.7</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref35" id="ftnt35">[35]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 3.11; 7.13; 8.17; 11.5</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref36" id="ftnt36">[36]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 3.4; 7.2, 4</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref37" id="ftnt37">[37]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 5.13; 6.12; 10.19</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref38" id="ftnt38">[38]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 7.17</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref39" id="ftnt39">[39]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.14; 3.19; 9.2–3</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref40" id="ftnt40">[40]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 4.13; 12.12</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref41" id="ftnt41">[41]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 9.10</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref42" id="ftnt42">[42]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 7.2, 8</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref43" id="ftnt43">[43]</a><span class="c5 c9"> A hat tip to the folk song “I Am a Poor Wayfaring Strangers” when it says “traveling through this world of woe.”</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref44" id="ftnt44">[44]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 11.9; 12.14</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref45" id="ftnt45">[45]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Ezek. 34.10–24; Matt. 25.31–46</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref46" id="ftnt46">[46]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 11.9; 12.14</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref47" id="ftnt47">[47]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 5.17</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref48" id="ftnt48">[48]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.1, 24–26; 3.12–13, 22; 4.16; 5.19–20; 6.2; 7.14; 8.15; 9.9; 11.8–9</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref49" id="ftnt49">[49]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eph. 3.10–11; 2 Cor. 5.17; Rom. 8.18–25</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref50" id="ftnt50">[50]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 12.13</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref51" id="ftnt51">[51]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 3.14; 5.7; 8.12–13; 12.13</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref52" id="ftnt52">[52]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 8.2, 5; 12.13</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref53" id="ftnt53">[53]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 12.1</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref54" id="ftnt54">[54]</a><span class="c5 c9"> Eccl. 2.24; 9.1</span></p></div><div><p class="c6"><a href="#ftnt_ref55" id="ftnt55">[55]</a><span class="c17"> </span><span class="c19 c17">Now I know Newton and Cowper have three hymns in Olney Hymns from Ecclesiastes: #54 “Vanity of Life”; #55 “Vanity of the World”; and #56 “Vanity of the Creature Sanctified” (The Works of John Newton, New Edition, Volume 2, Banner of Truth, 2015, pp. 623-24).</span></p></div></body></html>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com1West Chester Township, OH, USA39.3321262 -84.41726659999999111.021892363821152 -119.57351659999999 67.642360036178843 -49.261016599999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-34903640806061067392022-07-18T12:43:00.003-07:002023-03-18T18:25:43.874-07:00"Dear..." - A Poem on the Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation 2–4<p>A poem on the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2–4 I wrote in my personal devotions a few months ago when nearing the end of my journey to read through the whole Bible.</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Ephesus, you work so hard</p><p>and wicked people there you barred.</p><p>Yet you have lost your earlier love,</p><p>so now repent; love God above.</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Smyrna, rich, while poor, in pain—</p><p>fear not to suffer once again.</p><p>Be faithful, even unto death,</p><p>and I will give you life and breath.</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Pergamum, where Satan lives,</p><p>your faith, surprisingly, still thrives. </p><p>But you condone such heresy</p><p>if you do not repent, you'll die!</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Thyatira, you have shown</p><p>your deeds, your faith, your love have grown.</p><p>But this about you I despise:</p><p>you bear that prostitute who lies.</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Sardis, you all really think </p><p>you are alive? You're at death's brink!</p><p>So wake up! Strengthen what remains, </p><p>else I will frighten, give you pains.</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Philadelphia, I know</p><p>your deeds, yet little strength to show.</p><p>you keep my name, true all the while,</p><p>so I will keep you all from trial.</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Laodocia, I wish that you </p><p>were cold or hot—I may just spew!</p><p>So listen now, do not ignore,</p><p>I stand here knocking at your door.</p>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-75559004127127326142022-07-18T12:38:00.005-07:002022-11-02T13:59:12.887-07:00"Buried in the Grave of Jesus" (Trench and Battles)<p>Mrs. J. A. Trench wrote a hymn text well over one hundred years ago entitled, "Buried in the Grave of Jesus." Much of it was outdated or misunderstood, so I moderately edited it for our church. Praise the Lord we had two ladies baptized, an octogenarian and a young wife and mother expecting a child! So I edited this hymn to be sung at their baptism service. </p><p>If I had to estimate who gets the credit for this hymn, it's probably 70% Mrs. Trench and 30% me. But it's all because of Jesus! </p><p><br /></p><p>Words: Mrs. J. A. Trench (1843-1925) and Dustin Battles (1986– )</p><p>Music: NETTLETON, Anonymous</p><p><br /></p><p>1.</p><p>Buried in the grave of Jesus,</p><p>we believe what God has said:</p><p>Sin has no more pow’r to seize us,</p><p>since in Jesus we were dead. </p><p><br /></p><p>All the waves rolled over Jesus,</p><p>there exhausted all their power.</p><p>Death and judgment are behind us,</p><p>grace and glory are before.</p><p><br /></p><p>2.</p><p>Firstfruits of the resurrection,</p><p>Christ is risen from the tomb.</p><p>Now we are a new creation:</p><p>old has passed, the new has come. </p><p><br /></p><p>Jesus died, and we died with him,</p><p>buried in his grave we lie,</p><p>one with Christ in resurrection,</p><p>seated now in him on high.</p><p><br /></p><p>3.</p><p>Lord, we share in your rejection,</p><p>your reproach, O may we love.</p><p>Yet we stand in your acceptance</p><p>in the Father’s sight above.</p><p><br /></p><p>We await the full redemption</p><p>when the Risen One shall come.</p><p>Then our bodies’ transformation </p><p>will be fashioned like his own.</p>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-76444194360266736282022-06-21T14:06:00.004-07:002022-11-02T13:59:04.448-07:00"How the Sacred Sign Reminds Me" (Giles and Battles)<p><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We recently had a baptism at our church. I gave the one being baptized several baptism hymns to consider for us to use during the worship service. He chose this hymn, but because it was so antiquated in language, I modernized and changed a lot of it. So it's originally a text by John Eustace Giles but I changed much of it. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I was made aware of this hymn by David Ward's website ThousandTongues (now called Hymnicity), but I want back to the original wording and updated it myself without consulting his. So I think it can rightly be called a new hymn with an old heritage. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>Words: John Eustace Giles (1805–1875) and © Dustin R. Battles (1986– )</span><span> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Suggested Music: Henry Smart, 1867 (REGENT SQUARE)</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">How this sacred sign reminds me</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Savior, of your love to me.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Buried with you, baptism binds me</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">to you for eternity;</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Resurrection, resurrection</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">guarantees new life for me!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As I view the pool before me</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">should I shun your selfless love?</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Though unworthy of your mercy, </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">should I run from mercy’s wave?</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">No, I’ll enter! No, I’ll enter,</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">picturing your power to save.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Should my baptism break relations,</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">should I suffer shame or loss, </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">this must be my contemplation: </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have been where Jesus was!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This revives me, this revives me</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">when I waver in my woes.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Soon we’ll be immersed with glory,</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">taunting death, “Where is your sting?”</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In this great redemption story,</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">all will bow before the King.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Saints once sinners, saints once sinners</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">evermore his praise will sing!</span></p>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-23925182370441938912022-04-11T06:26:00.007-07:002022-09-02T08:53:47.274-07:00Why I switched to the CSB as my preaching and teaching translation<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Why I switched to CSB from the NIV as my primary preaching and teaching translation:</span></h1><h1 style="text-align: left;">Short explanation</h1><p>In short, it's a modern language translation with a high level of accuracy and a good reputation. </p><h1 style="text-align: left;">Medium explanation</h1><p>It is just as accurate (if not more so) than the translation I was using before, just as vernacular, but a lot less baggage/stigma—plus, a lot of our members are using it anyway. </p><h1 style="text-align: left;">Long explanation</h1><p>I recently switched my main preaching and teaching translation to the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). Any time a pastor or church switches from one translation to another, it could be fodder for controversy. So let me explain my reasons. (If you're wondering which translation I switched from, I’ll get to that in a moment.)</p><p>First, a clarification. I’m not of the opinion that there’s one “best” translation. We have scores of good ones like NASB, ESV, NET, and even the NLT (yes, I know the Message is not really a translation). </p><p>Why not <i>one</i> best translation? </p><p>For one, English is a moving target (which is why I can’t endorse the KJV as a helpful translation anymore), changing as time progresses. Did you use "thees" and "thous" the last time you ordered food at a restaurant? I didn't think so. While there's legitimate debate about <i>how much</i> English has changed, you have to admit that English <i>has changed</i> to some degree over the past few centuries. It's hard to declare one translation the G.O.A.T., like quarterback Tom Brady, when the game keeps changing. </p><p>Also, scholarship makes minor advances too, like Jesus being born in a “guest room” instead of an “inn”—that is, hotel—as many used to think (Luke 2:7). Translating from one language to another is not like math, where there's only one right answer. Different translations help you look at the diamond from another angle. So there’s not one translation that’s superior to all the others. </p><p>As linguist and Bible translator David Brunn once put it in an interview, “‘What’s the best translation?’ Tell me which verse, then I’ll tell you what I think the best translation is for that verse!” (See Working for the Word Podcast).</p><p>We have an embarrassment of translational riches at our disposal, as Mark Ward says. You like the ESV? Fantastic. Big fan of the NASB? More power to ya. Has the NIV been your sweet spot for the decades? Good for you. </p><p>It's important to remember that any doctrinal point can be made from nearly any translation. There’s a reason why there’s no such thing as denominational translations—the Baptists use this one, the Presbyterians use that one, and the Methodists use something different altogether (see Randy Leedy's Logos Blog article called "Should the Differences in Biblical Manuscripts Scare Christians?"). The evangelical translations at our disposal are all incredibly solid. You can trust them. </p><p>Ok, so why the CSB?</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">1. Accuracy: </h2><p>It is an accurate English translation. That’s the biggest one, right? But, as I just said, it’s not like the other ones are bad. Each of the evangelical translations are good enough for preaching and teaching—yes, even the NIV. Since you may be wondering how that can be, you should know I used to preach from the NIV. I did it for years at our church without having to wince each time I opened the book. I actually enjoyed it, believe it or not. The CSB a wonderfully faithful English translation among many others. It does a fantastic job with textual criticism and lexicography, and does an excellent job with footnotes, I may add.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">2. Vernacularity or Intelligibility:</h2><p>It is a modern English translation, suitable for even children or those who speak English as a second language. I will grant that it has less of a Tyndale/King James feel than the ESV or NKJV, or even the NIV or NASB. But I would argue the power of the Bible is not in its traditional prose or artistic poetry, it’s in the truth of the Word itself. If the message is able to be communicated clearly to those of all ages and backgrounds, then that’s a win in my book. The CSB does that.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">3. Commonality: </h2><p>For one, it's becoming more and more commonly used translation. It's consistently in the top 6 translations for the last several years according to the ECPA best selling translations ranking. Also, more practically, many of our church people are already using it. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, as they say. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">4. Acceptability: </h2><p>It is a translation that has a good reputation. It has made some wise translational decisions, such as its mild use of inclusivity. Yet I admit it helps that other translations took one for the team by introducing aspects that were controversial at the time. Overall, the CSB has a good reputation, albeit that it’s not as popular as many other translations like the NIV, NLT, and ESV. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">5. Supportability: </h2><p>It is as translation I want to support by my use of it. Publishers have to make money if they’re going to continue to publish a translation. If that sounds odd to you, consider that if people don’t buy a translation, it will be buried in the translation graveyard. (Surely that's a real place, right?) From what I hear, the ESV almost didn’t make it out of the gate to due to lacking enough financial backing. Even the ubiquitous NIV had a similar problem decades ago. Bible publishing is a tough business, apparently. I like getting behind an evangelical publisher like Holman (interestingly, the oldest Bible publisher in North America), in hopes that the CSB is a helpful and useful translation for many years and decades to come. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">6. Immunity (for lack of a better word): </h2><p>There are KJV-only people out there, and there are even—believe it or not—NASB-only and ESV-only people out there—at least functionally (no pun intended). DA Carson calls it "linguistic conservatism." I don't know of anyone who could be described, even functionally, as CSB only or even NIV-only, but maybe there's someone like this out there. In fact, even people who love the CSB don't think it's the greatest translation since the Sliced Bread Translation (note: not real translation). Using the CSB is an odd and unexpected kind of immunity against such often intense, sometimes scary, and, sadly, divisive people.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">7. Footnote...ity: </h2><p>Formal equivalent translations most often give the formal equivalent rendering of that word or phrase, but if it's hard to understand, they give no help as to what that phrase might mean. On the other hand, translations on the functional side of the equivalency scale often don't tend to tell you what the more formal rendering is (do they assume we don't care?). Then there's the NET Bible which overwhelms you with 40,000 translators notes! The CSB does a good job balancing what the reader needs to know. They give the formal rendering if at all possible, but if not possible they'll give a functional rendering, often with a footnote about the formal translation. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">8. Familiarity: </h2><p>Imagine you visit a church with a NASB in your hand, not knowing which translation the preacher is using, but it's the CSB. Will you feel like he's reading something completely out in left field compared to what you have in your lap? Not likely. The same goes for the ESV and NIV. The CSB sounds familiar enough that it still feels like Bible, even though the wording is slightly different (and even though it's less artistic). </p><p><br /></p><p>That’s not to say the CSB is perfect. I won’t get into its weaknesses right now, but let’s just say that I think other translations have their strengths too, and CSB might not be as strong in those areas. There are pros and cons with every translation, of course. </p><p>The NIV is still my personal favorite for reading. I could preach from it in good conscience. I've also enjoyed the BSB recently. But as for my preaching and teaching at my church, I’m enjoying using the CSB so far and hope to continue using it for many years. </p><p>But if you'd like to hear more about Bible translations, I did a 15 or so part series for our adult Sunday school class that you can watch/listen to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-kbXVL6skM&list=PLFUsm1-r9uwsTbCxPQu8picb1RHd10A4U">here</a>.</p>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-52041267960449471472021-10-01T04:34:00.011-07:002022-12-06T13:45:30.882-08:00"We Are the Church": a hymn for the 50th anniversary of my church<p>Last month I decided at the last minute to write a hymn for the 50th anniversary of my <a href="https://mercybaptist.net">church</a>, which we celebrated on September 18–19. It's the fastest hymn I've ever written, composed in about 2 weeks' time. </p><p>I've never said this before, but now would be an appropriate time to note that any time I write a hymn, I always glean insights and feedback from friends and sometimes family. This hymn is no exception, especially since I wrote it so quickly. Many thanks to all those who helped me this time and every time. Also, the typesetting is by my friend Dan Kreider, who does excellent typesetting at <a href="https://hymnworks.com">Hymnworks</a>.</p><p>I wrote it for tune SINE NOMINE, which many will recall as the tune to "For All the Saints." I even included a slight nod to William Walsham How in the first stanza as I (mostly) used his "est" rhyme scheme. </p><p>Theologically, I use a less common pattern of Father, (Holy) Spirit, Son. This is not ideal, as the order (not hierarchy) of the Triune God in Scripture is always Father, then <i>Son</i>, then <i>Holy Spirit. </i>But there's a theological reason I did so. The Father's work in us is primarily in the past, the Spirit's work is primarily present, and the Son's culminating work is yet to be. Yet knowing that it's not perfectly clear cut, Jesus Christ and his work is interspersed throughout the whole hymn. I've included the main Scripture references I used in each stanza below that stanza. </p><p>May the Lord be glorified.</p><p><br /></p><p>We Are the Church (<a href="https://mercybaptist.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/We-Are-the-Church.pdf">PDF</a>)</p><p>10.10.10. with alleluias</p><p>SINE NOMINE</p><p>(c) Dustin Battles</p><p>1.</p><p>We are the church, the chosen bride for Christ.</p><p>You sent your Son, who gives us hope and rest.</p><p>We praise you, Father, you are ever blessed.</p><p>Alleluia, Alleluia.</p><p><br /></p><p>Eph 1.3; Ps 62.5; Mt 11.28-29</p><p><br /></p><p>2.</p><p>We are the church—we once were dead in sin,</p><p>but in your Son we now are born again.</p><p>We praise you, Father! We are pure within.</p><p>Alleluia, Alleluia.</p><p><br /></p><p>Eph 2.1-3; 1Pet 1.22-23</p><p><br /></p><p>3.</p><p>We are the church, the faithful saints who plead—</p><p>Spirit, reveal Christ, help us in our need.</p><p>We praise you, Spirit, for you intercede. </p><p>Alleluia, Alleluia. </p><p><br /></p><p>Rom 8.26-27; John 14.26</p><p><br /></p><p>4.</p><p>We are the church—we strive for unity,</p><p>loving Christ’s body in humility. </p><p>We praise you, Spirit! We are family.</p><p>Alleluia, Alleluia. </p><p><br /></p><p>Eph 4.2-3; Eph 3.15</p><p><br /></p><p>5.</p><p>We are the church, the Christians who will see</p><p>death swallowed up in final victory.</p><p>We praise you, Jesus, for this mystery.</p><p>Alleluia, Alleluia.</p><p><br /></p><p>1Cor 15.21, 26, 51-56</p><p><br /></p><p>6.</p><p>We are the church—soon we will cry no more.</p><p>No pain or sorrow, only joy in store.</p><p>Praise Father, Son, and Spirit evermore.</p><p>Alleluia, Alleluia.</p><p><br /></p><p>Rev 21.4; 1Pet 4.13; Tt 2.14</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com06840 Fountains Blvd, West Chester Township, OH 45069, USA39.3496368 -84.397443937.635966210102524 -86.594709525 41.063307389897474 -82.200178275tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-41271503947738539142021-04-29T07:50:00.003-07:002021-04-29T07:50:24.359-07:00Forsaken Piano Solo by Dan Forrest<p>Dan Forrest has done a wonderful solo piano rendition of his tune to my text "Forsaken" published with Beckenhorst in 2014! </p><p><br /></p><p>Here's the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4YHRf7mAqjITby4M7zYuE2?si=a4da72562f3c4915" target="_blank">link</a> to listen.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here's my original <a href="https://dustinbattles.blogspot.com/2014/10/forsakendustin-battlesdan-forrest.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> from 2014.</p>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-91085537961046113632021-04-26T10:12:00.005-07:002021-04-26T10:12:49.617-07:00Doxology.app<p>My college friend Peter Anglea (pronounced "angel") has put together his music composition abilities and computer programming skills to develop this amazing website called <a href="https://doxology.app" target="_blank">Doxology</a>. </p><p>You can see download slides or sheets for 4-part hymns, lead sheets, or just the lyrics—and you can even change the key! All for free!</p><p>It's a really creative and unique idea. Kudos to Peter!</p><p>I have three songs on there—one original and two updates to historic texts:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://doxology.app/song/help-my-unbelief-4eqkjgp3/" target="_blank">Help My Unbelief</a> (with Paul Keew, administered by ChurchWorksMedia)</li><li><a href="https://doxology.app/song/i-saw-one-hanging-on-a-tree-o1v5kvnm/" target="_blank">I Saw One Hanging on a Tree</a> (updated text by John Newton, paired with KINGSFOLD)</li><li><a href="https://doxology.app/song/my-song-is-love-unknown-26q2jpw9/">My Song Is Love Unknown</a> (I lightly updated the text and kept it paired with LOVE UNKNOWN)</li></ul><p></p>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-87712390332434303932021-04-26T09:06:00.005-07:002021-10-20T17:19:53.651-07:00New Psalter (2020)<p>Last year I helped Dan Kreider edit (along with many others) what's appropriately called the <i><a href="https://gracemusic.us/psalter/">New Psalter</a>.</i></p><p>For those who don't know, a psalter is collection of songs from the Psalms. The <i>New Psalter</i> is the best psalter on the market today, in my opinion. </p><p>The settings are often historic, yet other are new. The tunes range from familiar to fresh. Authors include historic ones like Watts, Getty, Papa, Psalter 1912, and two settings of mine:</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://gracemusic.us/sheet_music/out-of-the-depths-2/" target="_blank">Psalm 130: Out of the Depths</a></h3><p>I worked on this psalm setting for literally 6 years. All because I couldn't get it to the point where I was happy with it. But when there's a new psalter coming out, I had motivation!</p><p>It's paired with a lovely melancholy English folk song called "Turtle Dove."</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://gracemusic.us/sheet_music/in-times-of-old/" target="_blank">Psalm 85: In Times of Old (with Dan Kreider)</a></h3><div>When Dan was working on a setting of Psalm 85 for the New Psalter, he asked me to help him hone it. So it ended up being 1/2–3/4 Dan's work and 1/4–1/2 mine. I think the collaboration turned out well.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's paired with SINE NOMINE, most commonly known as the tune for "For All the Saints."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Noteworthy about the New Psalter is that all of the settings are available in text and hymn-sheet at GraceMusic.us/Psalter for <b>free</b>! Many of them have recordings too.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wY0qHMR8bYNICAvAxEB2IS6bcAvrf5V16HQkEnm97Lq8ZLeaakTiltsjFrVMJRAIibj_5EAkUiu3olP8A6eCL5NLQpm54bhXI-LUYgI5Brk45XBKYVcZsSWgIERGTLxmevhN/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wY0qHMR8bYNICAvAxEB2IS6bcAvrf5V16HQkEnm97Lq8ZLeaakTiltsjFrVMJRAIibj_5EAkUiu3olP8A6eCL5NLQpm54bhXI-LUYgI5Brk45XBKYVcZsSWgIERGTLxmevhN/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_Mfd9CZNDv0c2zcizfgR8hJT18JpEfTSd-hvFkVTxNERy02J3LRRoRpOH5jJ7T0jUkDeIMyyQGf8w8zgN2NrD93OqejDPGh8g6ekkLzOlQFkU76CQWN8wHE3qkmNCZbO3ngu/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_Mfd9CZNDv0c2zcizfgR8hJT18JpEfTSd-hvFkVTxNERy02J3LRRoRpOH5jJ7T0jUkDeIMyyQGf8w8zgN2NrD93OqejDPGh8g6ekkLzOlQFkU76CQWN8wHE3qkmNCZbO3ngu/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc1FV4r-zM5fbuX5CK3fNOvnz66UkzEri4DBZuqlL1ePa6-zdhuL3bwy66RAs9O3FcMNq3UrIpIxQ1GKpjL2bGM7uIJGXSzSxjBFgwFtZxz2i_p4xM8tUNu-RAJtt6UxnSRFn/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc1FV4r-zM5fbuX5CK3fNOvnz66UkzEri4DBZuqlL1ePa6-zdhuL3bwy66RAs9O3FcMNq3UrIpIxQ1GKpjL2bGM7uIJGXSzSxjBFgwFtZxz2i_p4xM8tUNu-RAJtt6UxnSRFn/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T8xeNJ8jOaEc25Bpnh2J3hm6Xloy8pmsZsTDxCu1JG2Gqwcv04oE9E0a_gBDk3laVcUndwAVfuMfijfiUYx1QiyTzsj19OuC9UYfw_RuB-2CV6AZ2or88NgRw3HVRz_ruFYg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T8xeNJ8jOaEc25Bpnh2J3hm6Xloy8pmsZsTDxCu1JG2Gqwcv04oE9E0a_gBDk3laVcUndwAVfuMfijfiUYx1QiyTzsj19OuC9UYfw_RuB-2CV6AZ2or88NgRw3HVRz_ruFYg/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDlGO9JB-8keE0TLMT5zbYkcYoO_d2ZPlpOOexrVIh79iCIJC95jz6qVS4hhl528s_UaM_ZCIV-NQ_l2uMgDsrmtnBkQ54BLVtkKXtnqQU3CroPY5t27KIHlO_lv4qtK32m2l/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDlGO9JB-8keE0TLMT5zbYkcYoO_d2ZPlpOOexrVIh79iCIJC95jz6qVS4hhl528s_UaM_ZCIV-NQ_l2uMgDsrmtnBkQ54BLVtkKXtnqQU3CroPY5t27KIHlO_lv4qtK32m2l/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-10049701172880219422021-04-26T08:02:00.004-07:002021-06-06T19:14:00.120-07:00Wilds Songbook (2019)<p><br />A couple years ago (I know—I'm quite behind the times), the 9th edition of the Wilds Songbook was released. It includes several songs whose words I composed. Many thanks to the music composers (names in parentheses below) who brought these texts to life. And also thanks to the Wilds for publishing these!</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>From Heaven's Holy Throne (with James Koerts)</li><li>Mercy (with Joey Hoelscher)</li><li>Behold How Every Wound (with Reba Snyder Miller)</li><li>Be Merciful, O God, to Me (Psalm 57) (with James Koerts)</li><li>Here Is Love (a light modernization of the classic hymn)</li></ul><div>Copies are available for purchase <a href="https://wilds.org/store/product/the-wilds-songbook-9th-ed/">here</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw4qa0E5hgQCEXrvEpSqXk8WIGEp_Q6SZhcM2ur_AheDCDypRSFXkf86YovDqZ3ETHeYHh92LbQ4yfg8Hs3k-ixrLPSkoT6uaExpU6eMx2DJI83UO1ATv4xPFhpJ21jRK5xBr/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw4qa0E5hgQCEXrvEpSqXk8WIGEp_Q6SZhcM2ur_AheDCDypRSFXkf86YovDqZ3ETHeYHh92LbQ4yfg8Hs3k-ixrLPSkoT6uaExpU6eMx2DJI83UO1ATv4xPFhpJ21jRK5xBr/" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw4qa0E5hgQCEXrvEpSqXk8WIGEp_Q6SZhcM2ur_AheDCDypRSFXkf86YovDqZ3ETHeYHh92LbQ4yfg8Hs3k-ixrLPSkoT6uaExpU6eMx2DJI83UO1ATv4xPFhpJ21jRK5xBr/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG3QhyphenhyphenZVtvpsSuMEOTKwLudJjHxg1Mb-EYO3exQhnwjgdyrFdyzWlAbZub_2Jkz6MMh35002YxhurrdNBTRZZCooaksKHPP2Js9NogbAjzJ_yCzBll-fjOunO1SFSXgWD_GVE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG3QhyphenhyphenZVtvpsSuMEOTKwLudJjHxg1Mb-EYO3exQhnwjgdyrFdyzWlAbZub_2Jkz6MMh35002YxhurrdNBTRZZCooaksKHPP2Js9NogbAjzJ_yCzBll-fjOunO1SFSXgWD_GVE/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIrJVS6cYbPHESSisM9Xp_cgBcVFQS2lpAivJMCmRgKgT2d6F5RBDIpI_VUKiAv0e5Ik8OVZen_8A9ybg3aE4ROlfl2AtWcDwx9PZl9aSIaLM3idiVZuPa1-MxQ1YrYwuRUuo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIrJVS6cYbPHESSisM9Xp_cgBcVFQS2lpAivJMCmRgKgT2d6F5RBDIpI_VUKiAv0e5Ik8OVZen_8A9ybg3aE4ROlfl2AtWcDwx9PZl9aSIaLM3idiVZuPa1-MxQ1YrYwuRUuo/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DLm8ZLyG1Vn4yf__HPBIQy_KTbebbFXY8h3vhhYRf4jjrdqLTpHQUvWk2JXXgy0cUBB44ia_4AL1Rc9xKJNBqCHQYd_UWCTbLuFM0wGv0aIEyMOhwYd9sgPK4Z88BScuD-Rr/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DLm8ZLyG1Vn4yf__HPBIQy_KTbebbFXY8h3vhhYRf4jjrdqLTpHQUvWk2JXXgy0cUBB44ia_4AL1Rc9xKJNBqCHQYd_UWCTbLuFM0wGv0aIEyMOhwYd9sgPK4Z88BScuD-Rr/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXKGwdCMNDf-wOR2ji7vm1mdoLvXbwfln0ACcQGYrCKTn-Lv929ePl54S81QiOIO-MMxHrZByikjQIASuTOcPMk0E61SB_GNC-K71HcEt_iKOaJD6VtkFxjE4u50WiW3QP-G_/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXKGwdCMNDf-wOR2ji7vm1mdoLvXbwfln0ACcQGYrCKTn-Lv929ePl54S81QiOIO-MMxHrZByikjQIASuTOcPMk0E61SB_GNC-K71HcEt_iKOaJD6VtkFxjE4u50WiW3QP-G_/" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div></div><p></p>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-31974523652626779492017-01-20T11:18:00.000-08:002017-01-20T11:18:16.523-08:00Help My Unbelief—with Paul Keew<br />
I first wrote a draft of a text with the words, "I can trust You when I see every step You have for me..." in my devotions two years ago. Dozens (hundreds?) of edits and iterations later, the text has been finalized as follows:<br />
<br />
1. (Matt 14:22–33)<br />
I can trust You when I see every step You’ve planned for me,<br />
But when wind and waves arise fear awakens in my eyes.<br />
<br />
Why do I distrust and fear? You will never disappear.<br />
Reach into this stormy sea, hear my cry, and rescue me.<br />
<br />
Refrain:<br />
I believe, yes, I believe. Help, oh Lord, my unbelief!<br />
I believe, yes, I believe. Help, oh Lord, my unbelief!<br />
<br />
2. (Psa 51:9–12; cf. Psa 42:2; Psa 90:14)<br />
I am fully satisfied when my heart delights in Christ.<br />
But when I give in to sin, only hollow joys remain.<br />
<br />
Who can satisfy but You? You can fill me through and through.<br />
Quench my thirsty soul, oh Lord, that my joy may be restored.<br />
<br />
3. (Job 1:21; 2:10; 7:11)<br />
I know You are good to me when You send prosperity.<br />
But when peace gives way to pain, in frustration I complain.<br />
<br />
How could I find fault with You? You are always just and good.<br />
Grant me faith, not just relief; help, oh, help my unbelief!<br />
<br />
<br />
© Dustin Battles and Watchsong.com<br />
<br />
Paul Keew of <a href="http://watchsong.com/#story" target="_blank">Watchsong</a> kindly wrote the music for this hymn. I am thrilled at how it turned out.<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://watchsong.com/music/help-my-unbelief" target="_blank">here</a> to listen to a recording of the first stanza and download the sheet music. May God be glorified.<br />
<div>
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Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-73835489367645062322016-04-26T06:05:00.001-07:002016-04-26T06:05:15.000-07:00Our Glorious God—with Saint-Saëns/GalvinFew writers attempt to cover the Bible's message in one text/poem.
This is my attempt to do so. However, I couldn't find a tune that seemed
that seemed to fit the text; that is, until David Galvin stumbled
across a Saint-Saëns piano concerto tune that, in my opinion, fits the
text perfectly! David adapted it so that it's more singable.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See below for the text or click <a href="http://www.gladadoration.com/app/download/13028850129/HF070%20Our%20Glorious%20God%20DOUBLE.pdf?t=1455574193" target="_blank">here</a> to view the full text and music PDF.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>Our Glorious God</b></div>
<div>
Text by Dustin Battles</div>
<div>
Music by Camille Saint-Saëns (Piano Concerto No. 4, 2nd movement), Adapt. By David Galvin</div>
<div>
8.8.8.8.D</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. </div>
<div>
Our glorious God unveiled His might,</div>
<div>
Creating heavens, seas, and lands.</div>
<div>
He spoke and there was glorious light;</div>
<div>
He fashioned Adam with His hands.</div>
<div>
The skies declare that He is Lord;</div>
<div>
We join with them to shout His name!</div>
<div>
All things that are came by His word,</div>
<div>
For God does all for His own fame.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. </div>
<div>
Of Eden’s fruit mankind could eat,</div>
<div>
But not the tree of knowledge there.</div>
<div>
Yet with his wife the man’s deceit </div>
<div>
Aroused God’s wrath and their despair.</div>
<div>
Though we, through Adam, stole that fruit,</div>
<div>
Deserving punishment and pain,</div>
<div>
God promised us a fertile root:</div>
<div>
His seed, the Son of Man, will reign!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. </div>
<div>
In time our God unveiled His plan,</div>
<div>
Of saving man from death and sin.</div>
<div>
He sent His Son—both God and man;</div>
<div>
Salvation only comes from Him! </div>
<div>
The Son, Christ Jesus, gave His life</div>
<div>
To reconcile us to our God;</div>
<div>
As Lamb, He bore our sin and strife</div>
<div>
By interceding with His blood!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. </div>
<div>
Our Lord, though slain, did not stay dead—</div>
<div>
He broke the bondage of the grave!</div>
<div>
Ascending heavenward instead,</div>
<div>
The Holy Spirit He then gave.</div>
<div>
He promised to come back again</div>
<div>
To raise the dead before His throne.</div>
<div>
Soon we will bow our knees to Him </div>
<div>
Adoring God and God alone. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-51834813331836491172016-04-19T11:40:00.004-07:002016-05-10T18:36:00.786-07:00From Heaven's Holy Throne—with James Koerts<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<b>He Stepped from Heaven’s Holy Throne</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Text by Dustin Battles</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Music by James Koerts<br />
Copyright 2015 by The Wilds<br />
<br />
<a href="http://wilds.org/core/wp-content/uploads/From-Heavens-Holy-Throne.hymn_.pdf" target="_blank">PDF available here. </a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
1.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
He stepped from heaven’s holy throne</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
To take a body like our own. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
With love so great, in manner meek,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
For sinners Jesus came to seek. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
2.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Christ lived a humble, blameless life,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Yet men in hatred caused Him strife.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Among the thieves they nailed Him high, </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Though we deserved that death to die. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
3.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
When Jesus died, a darkness fell,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
As if creation could not tell</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
If it would ever once more shine </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
The glories of the King divine. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
4.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Then Christ arose just as He said:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
He crushed our sin and Satan’s head.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
The light of Jesus’ empty grave,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Proves Christ our Savior came to save!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
5.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
No more a servant, now a King—</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
He rules now over everything.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Robed in His garments free from stains,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
We worship Him who ever reigns.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Chorus:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
On bended knee we bow to You—</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Redeemer, Savior, Lord, and King!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Now grant to us, Lord Jesus Christ,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Thankful lives and humbled hearts. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: x-small;">Copyright 2015 by The Wilds</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
This stanza wasn't included in the official version from the Wilds, but was in my original text:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<i>Though He’s forever King indeed,</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<i>He did not clutch His throne with greed:</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<i>To earth from heaven, Jesus came</i></div>
<i style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px;">In flesh a man to bear our blame. </i>Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-1076569221341076502016-04-19T11:38:00.002-07:002016-05-10T18:36:58.556-07:00Behold How Every Wound—with Reba Snyder<b>Behold How Every Wound</b><br />
Text by Dustin Battles<br />
Music by Reba Snyder<br />
<a href="http://wilds.org/core/wp-content/uploads/Behold-How-Every-Wound.hymn_.pdf" target="_blank">PDF of text and music</a><br />
8.6.8.6. with refrain<br />
<br />
1.<br />
Behold how ev'ry wound of Christ<br />
Distills a precious cure.<br />
Those searing marks have paid the price<br />
To make this sinner pure.<br />
<br />
Refrain:<br />
<i>The bleeding Lamb bears holy wounds </i><br />
<i>Of mercy full and free.</i><br />
<i>His body shines a crimson hue</i><br />
<i>That ever pleads for me.</i><br />
<br />
2.<br />
His hammered hands, His thorny crown,<br />
His wounded, piercèd side<br />
Preach gospel grace that trickles down—<br />
None but Christ could provide.<br />
<br />
3.<br />
Grim injuries left me dismayed—<br />
For me He was accused?<br />
His wounds healed scars my sin had made<br />
When love and suff’ring fused.<br />
<br />
4.<br />
The wonders of redeeming love<br />
Bring triumph, not defeat.<br />
Both here on earth and soon above<br />
I’ll worship at His feet.<br />
<br />
Copyright 2015 by The Wilds<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-29789855034912662672016-04-19T11:33:00.001-07:002016-04-19T11:33:53.065-07:00Christ Arose! (from 1 Corinthians 15)<b>Christ Arose! </b><br />
By Dustin Battles<br />
From 1 Corinthians 15<br />
7.7.7.7.D.<br />
<br />
1.<br />
Christ arose! Proclaim the news!<br />
News of God’s redeeming grace:<br />
How God willingly would choose<br />
His own Son to take our place.<br />
Jesus died as Scripture said,<br />
Buried three days in the grave.<br />
But we never have to dread:<br />
Christ arose our souls to save!<br />
<br />
2.<br />
If our Lord did not arise<br />
Then our faith would be in vain.<br />
But our faith is firm in Christ,<br />
Who is raised in pow’r to reign.<br />
Christ indeed defeated death,<br />
Breaking mortal chains to live.<br />
After taking our last breath,<br />
We will all awake alive.<br />
<br />
3.<br />
We, like Adam, are like seeds,<br />
Perishing the moment sown.<br />
Yet the second Adam pleads<br />
Life now, resurrection soon.<br />
Come, behold, a mystery!<br />
We will change at trumpet sound!<br />
In the twinkling of an eye,<br />
He will raise us from the ground.<br />
<br />
4.<br />
What the Word said soon will be:<br />
“Death, O death, where is your sting?”<br />
“Death, where is your victory?”<br />
Death is dead! Rejoice and sing!<br />
Thanks to God, O praise His name:<br />
Christ has conquered death so grim!<br />
Since our labor is not vain,<br />
Let our work abound in Him.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-27103925644813946622016-04-19T11:32:00.001-07:002016-04-19T11:34:14.542-07:00A People For His Name—with Brian Büda<b>A People For His Name</b><br />
<br />
Missions Conference 2016 Hymn for the King's Chapel, West Chester, Ohio<br />
<br />
Music by Brian Buda<br />
7.7.7.7.D<br />
<a href="http://www.kingschapelbaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Hymn-A-People-battles-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">PDF of text and music</a><br />
<br />
1.<br />
People walk about the earth,<br />
Groping as though it were night.<br />
Who will bring the blind to Christ,<br />
Shine the glorious gospel light?<br />
I will lead the sightless souls,<br />
Urging them to turn to Him!<br />
Christ illumines darkened hearts <br />
As a people for His name,<br />
As a people for His name.<br />
<br />
2.<br />
Wretched souls live for themselves,<br />
Thinking not about their sins.<br />
Who will point them to the cross—<br />
Where Christ died, where life begins?<br />
I'll proclaim the risen Lord,<br />
Snatching souls out of the flame!<br />
Through my words I pray He might<br />
Save a people for His name,<br />
Save a people for His name.<br />
<br />
3.<br />
We, like them, were once His foes,<br />
Foes against His holiness.<br />
Who broke down that wall of sin?<br />
Jesus, King of righteousness!<br />
We, all nations, will sing praise<br />
To the holy Lamb once slain.<br />
With His blood He purchased us—<br />
We're a people for His name,<br />
We’re a people for His name.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. (Acts 15.14)</i><br />
<br />Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-21275407809899810462016-04-19T11:16:00.000-07:002016-04-19T11:23:54.818-07:00Poor, Weak, and Unworthy, Though I Am—with John Newton<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Last year I came across a hymn by John Newton in <a href="https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/works-john-newton/" target="_blank">Olney Hymns</a> and it really resonated with me. So I modernized it and changed some words to make it ring more clearly for today's readers/singers. We sang this at <a href="http://gracebaptistcarlisle.org/" target="_blank">Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, PA </a>during a service in which I was preaching. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<b>Poor, Weak, and Unworthy, Though I Am</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Text: John Newton and Dustin Battles</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
1.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Poor, weak, unworthy though I am,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
I have a rich, almighty Friend;</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Jesus, the Savior, is his name,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
He freely loves, and without end.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
He ransomed me from hell with blood,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
And by his pow'r my foes controlled;</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
He found me, wand'ring far from God,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
And brought me to his chosen fold.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
2. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
My gracious Friend I've often grieved;</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Distrusted, scorned, and disobeyed,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
And often Satan's lies believed,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Ignoring all my Friend has said.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
He welcomes me in ev'ry task</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
To bring him any sin confessed; </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
All I must do is humbly ask:</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
He'll grant me pardon and sweet rest.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
3.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Oh how my inmost spirit mourns,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
How deep my eyes with tears do swim,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
To think of my perverse returns;</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
I've been a faithless friend to him.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
He hears my cries, new grace supplies,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
And says that I shall shortly be</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Enthroned with him above the skies,</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
O, what a friend is Christ to me!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
© Dustin Battles (2015)</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-70443318719226162262016-04-19T07:27:00.001-07:002016-04-19T10:55:14.148-07:00Be Merciful, O God, To Me (Psalm 57)—with James Koerts<span style="font-family: inherit;">Several years ago when meditating upon Psalm 57, I quickly wrote down a meditation on the psalm. Years later James Koerts added a wonderful tune to go with the text. The tune and full arrangement will be available summer 2016 from <a href="http://wilds.org/" target="_blank">the Wilds</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you'd like to sing the text to a tune you already know, try <span style="font-family: "gentium";">O WALY WALY.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Be Merciful, O
God, To Me” (Psalm 57)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">L.M.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be merciful, O God, to me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My soul is weary and
oppressed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My foes are mighty but I
flee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To shelter in Your wings
of rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Send out Your steadfast
love to me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And all Your grace and
faithfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your presence with me now
shall be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My only joy and
righteousness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My heart is steadfast all
my days:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You are my song and
melody!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Awake, my soul, to sing
His praise,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And, like the dawn, His
glory see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4.*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I give You praise among
the just<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And join the nations'
happy song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let all Your glory spring
to us—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We'll praise You here with
ev'ry tongue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be e'er exalted, O my God!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let all Your glory fill
the earth!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each mountain, plain, and
sea abroad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Will know Your splendor,
pow'r, and worth!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">* Stanza 4 will not be included in James's setting with the Wilds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gentium";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">© Dustin Battles (2013)</span><span style="font-family: "gentium";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-27920520277236787472016-04-19T07:04:00.000-07:002016-04-19T07:37:40.583-07:00Here Is Love (Updated Text)—with David GalvinI was glad to see that the new <i>Hymns of Grace</i>, published by Master's Seminary, includes one of my favorite hymns, "Here Is Love." (I especially love Dan Forrest's <a href="http://www.danforrest.com/satb-accompanied/here-is-love/" target="_blank">arrangement</a> of this hymn.)<br />
<br />
But, annoyingly, the editors of the new <i>Hymns of Grace</i> changed all of the "thees" and "thous" to "yous" and so forth—with the exception of the final word of the piece, which ends on "thee"! They did so to rhyme with "me" two lines up. While I totally understand why they did what they did, I'd rather see a hymn be consistent in its use of older English. In my opinion, either leave the text as is (originally written), or update the entire text.<br />
<br />
Since no such updated text exists, I had my friend David Galvin of <a href="http://www.gladadoration.com/" target="_blank">Glad Adoration Music Ministries</a> set the traditional tune to the updated text. Access the full text and music PDF <a href="http://www.gladadoration.com/app/download/13051785129/HF080%20Here%20Is%20Love%20DOUBLE.pdf?t=1461075892" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I hope it's a blessing to the church and an encouragement to those who sing it.<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
1.</div>
<div class="p1">
Here is love, vast as the ocean,</div>
<div class="p1">
Loving kindness as the flood,</div>
<div class="p1">
When the Prince of life, our ransom,</div>
<div class="p1">
Shed for us His precious blood.</div>
<div class="p1">
Who His love will not remember?</div>
<div class="p1">
Who can cease to sing His praise?</div>
<div class="p1">
He can never be forgotten</div>
<div class="p1">
Throughout heaven's eternal days</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
2. </div>
<div class="p1">
On the mount of crucifixion,</div>
<div class="p1">
Fountains opened deep and wide;</div>
<div class="p1">
Through the floodgates of God's mercy</div>
<div class="p1">
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.</div>
<div class="p1">
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,</div>
<div class="p1">
Poured incessant from above,</div>
<div class="p1">
And heaven's peace and perfect justice</div>
<div class="p1">
Kissed a guilty world in love.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
3. </div>
<div class="p1">
Let me, all Your love accepting,</div>
<div class="p1">
Love You ever all my days;</div>
<div class="p1">
Let me seek Your kingdom only,</div>
<div class="p1">
And my life be to Your praise.</div>
<div class="p1">
You alone shall be my glory,</div>
<div class="p1">
Nothing in the world I see.</div>
<div class="p1">
You have cleansed and sanctified me</div>
<div class="p1">
You Yourself have set me free.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
4.</div>
<div class="p1">
In Your truth You surely guide me</div>
<div class="p1">
By Your Spirit through Your Word;</div>
<div class="p1">
And Your grace my need is meeting,</div>
<div class="p1">
As I trust in You, my Lord.</div>
<div class="p1">
Of Your fullness You are pouring</div>
<div class="p1">
Your great love and pow'r anew,</div>
<div class="p1">
Without measure, full and boundless,</div>
Drawing out my heart to You.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
Text © Dustin Battles (2015)</div>
Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-16644040975732693832015-11-04T07:32:00.002-08:002021-03-19T06:44:08.173-07:00The Lord's My Light (Psalm 27)<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">Text: Dustin Battles</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">C.M.</span></h2>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2018 update: Garrett Eaton has written a tune for this text! Check it out <a href="https://byhisgracehymns.weebly.com/the-lords-my-light.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord's my light, my Savior dear.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Him my heart is stayed.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My refuge strong; whom shall I fear?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why should I be afraid?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When enemies attack my flesh</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To conquer and destroy,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this my heart will be refreshed:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jehovah is my joy.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing have I desired of Him,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For this one thing I yearn:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To gaze on Him with eyes undimmed,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Into His house return.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord will hide me in His home</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When trouble shall arise,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For from the Lord I find shalom;</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Him I gaze my eyes.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hear me, O Lord; I cry aloud!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be gracious—answer me!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I seek You, Lord! My heart is bowed;</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hide not Your face from me.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Turn not Your face of anger here,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Though I am full of sin!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cast not me off, but keep me near;</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In mercy take me in.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Teach me Your wondrous way, O Lord,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And lead me in Your path:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">False witnesses and foes have stored</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Up lies and harbored wrath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">8.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I soon shall see God's goodness there</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Within the living land.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wait, wait, my soul; do not despair!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">God's providence is planned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">© Dustin Battles (2013)</span><br />
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Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-27219781331613902562014-10-15T08:36:00.001-07:002016-04-19T10:56:19.745-07:00Mercy—with Joey Hoelscher<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ten years ago two nerdy college freshmen met each other in choir. Today, these two friends—still somewhat nerdy, but no longer freshmen—wrote a hymn together. It's called <i><a href="http://churchworksmedia.com/mercy" target="_blank">Mercy</a></i> and is published through ChurchWorksMedia.com. Click the link <a href="http://churchworksmedia.com/mercy" target="_blank">here</a> to see the sheet music and mp3 (piano) recording of Mercy.</span><br />
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Lyrics:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercy—Lord, have mercy! Be merciful to me.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All these stains within me prove my iniquity. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wash me white and spotless as snow in winter days. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercy—Lord, have mercy upon my wicked ways.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercy—show more mercy: I keep desiring sin. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Freed from sin's dark prison, yet still I run back in. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lead me by Your Spirit to walk in paths of light. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercy—show more mercy that I may cherish Christ.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercy—precious mercy: You’re loyal to Your own. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By Your loving covenant we’ll never be alone. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hold us close as children who look to You for care. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercy—precious mercy: a bond beyond compare.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercy—Lord, have mercy—abundant, rich, and pure. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ceaseless like a fountain, Your mercy will endure. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pour out love and kindness upon me lavishly. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercy—yes, Your mercy—flows freely down on me.</span></i></div>
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Doctrinal notes that I wrote for the text:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MERCY DOCTRINAL NOTES</strong> (by Dustin Battles)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because God delights in worship that is biblical, thoughtful and passionate—what we often call intentional—please consider the following overview of the biblical texts and doctrinal themes behind the hymn <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Mercy</em>:</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I originally wrote the text of “Mercy” as a metricized psalm of Psalm 51—hence the tune name PSALM 51. But as I fleshed out the themes of mercy, covenant love, and loyalty other Scripture passages kept coming to mind. Other passages so perfectly fit into the the theme of love and mercy, such as Romans 7-8 and Hosea 2, as well as other verses such as Psalm 23:6 and Psalm 40:11.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stanza 1</strong> begins with a plea for the Lord’s mercy. That general plea is followed by a more personal plea: “God be merciful to me.” That is, as the reader/singer progresses through the first line, he realizes that mercy is necessary, not just in general, but from a holy God to him—a sinner. The reason for this is found in line two, where he realizes the depths of his sin as he gazes within his own heart and sees his iniquity. He then calls out to God to wash him white and pristine as snow in winter days.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stanza 2</strong> addresses the believer’s continual struggle against indwelling sin—for these battles rage until the end of life. Inspired by a sermon of J. D. Crowley on Romans 7 and 8, I illustrate that despite being freed from prison, we still desire to run back in. The reader/singer then pleads with God that he would be led by the Spirit into paths of light, not back into the dark prison. His desire is that he might cherish Christ above all.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stanza 3</strong> expresses what most consider the definition of the Old Testament mercy: the Hebrew word ḥeseḏ—that is, covenant loyalty. Through studying the book of Hosea and reading Michael Barrett’s book, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Love Divine and Unfailing</em> (P&R, 2008), I was shocked by the divine display of mercy. In this covenant of mercy those who once were called Not My People are now called My People, and those who were once called No Mercy are now shown mercy (Hosea 2:16–23). This mercy—a covenant loyalty—is a bond beyond compare.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stanza 4</strong> expresses the desire for God’s mercy to be shown in both quality and quantity. His cry is that God’s mercy would be pure and rich in quality, as well as lavish and eternal in quantity. We can be certain that God’s mercy will endure, just like a ceaseless fountain. Psalm 23:6 and Psalm 40:11 show that God’s mercy will endure until our final breath on this earth.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Copyright 2014 ChurchWorksMedia.com. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All rights reserved.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also, here's my <a href="http://churchworksmedia.com/mercy" target="_blank">bio </a>on the CWM website.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SDG</span></span></div>
Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-16962264197843473832014-10-02T13:03:00.003-07:002016-04-19T07:32:20.868-07:00Forsaken—with Dan ForrestA forthcoming choral anthem published by Beckenhorst Press features my lyrics and music by Dan Forrest. Dan wrote some sobering but powerful music that completely captures the grief Christ's sacrifice expressed in the text.<br />
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The text is written in a 1st-person narrative by Christ in the garden of Gethsemene and on the cross at Golgotha.<br />
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“How long, My God, will You neglect My prayer?</div>
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Will You forget these tears of dark despair?</div>
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Yet not My will, but Yours alone be done:</div>
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Forsake not man, but Me—Your sinless Son.</div>
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I, Christ the Son, obey Your great command,</div>
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Enduring punishment for sinful man.</div>
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As Son and silent Lamb, I choose this path:</div>
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Accept rejection to appease Your wrath.”</div>
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“O why, My God, have You forsaken Me?</div>
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Why have You now refused My final plea?</div>
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Though I cry out in sorrow, pain, and fear,</div>
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You turn Your back; in silence, disappear.</div>
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I, Christ the Son, bear all their sin alone,</div>
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Embracing judgment from Your glorious throne.</div>
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As Son and spotless Lamb, I shed My blood</div>
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To bring them boldly to Your face, My God.”</div>
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It is available Fall 2014 from Beckenhorst Press for SATB choir, piano, and optional violin and cello.<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.danforrest.com/satb-accompanied/forsaken/" target="_blank">here</a> to see the page from Dan Forrest's website. Click <a href="https://soundcloud.com/beckenhorst-press/09-forsaken-forrest" target="_blank">here</a> to hear it on Beckenhorst Press's Soundcloud.Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14147390.post-86452821464598359782014-10-02T12:56:00.001-07:002016-04-19T07:32:28.474-07:00Take Heart—with Dan KreiderIn Fall of 2012, I collaborated with Dan Kreider to write <i>Keep Heart</i>. Dan wrote the music, I wrote the lyrics. Three years later, we are re-releasing it. Dan and I are distributing it through Grace Music, which Dan runs as worship pastor of Grace Immanuel Bible Church, Jupiter, Florida.<br />
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Most of the lyrics are the same, but some are changed from its 2012 edition.<br />
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I originally wrote these words as an encouragement for suffering Christians. Rather than "lose heart" (2 Corinthians 4), we should "take heart."<br />
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“<i>So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.</i>”
(2 Corinthians 4:16–18 ESV)<br />
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Here are the lyrics to the song:<br />
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Take heart, O servants of the Lord,<br />
amid the cloudy journey.<br />
Though shadows seem to shade His Word,<br />
they cannot hide His mercy.<br />
When providence is manifest<br />
in tempests of affliction,<br />
Behind the storm is Jesus Christ:<br />
the Sun of our salvation.<br />
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Serve not the dark desires within,<br />
nor wicked foes, nor tempters.<br />
Their subtle lies would lure us in,<br />
but Christ our King will conquer.<br />
We firmly stand in Jesus’ might<br />
against enticing evil:<br />
He dresses us in radiant light—<br />
the armor of His gospel.<br />
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We walk by faith and not by sight<br />
while living in this darkness,<br />
But grief will change into delight<br />
when Christ returns in brightness.<br />
Let us take heart until we see<br />
the risen Lamb of suff’ring.<br />
Then we before His throne will be<br />
like Him, forever shining!</div>
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Click here to see a piano/vocal score, chord chart, congregational handout, and demo (piano) recording.<br />
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See <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwjEKG3Tqgo" target="_blank">here</a> for a video of Caleb French and I singing the previous edition.<br />
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Also, here are some encouraging words from some <a href="http://watchsong.wordpress.com/tag/dustin-battles/">friends</a> about the hymn.Dustin Battleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04745595228519274258noreply@blogger.com0