THY WORD IS LIKE A GARDEN, LORD!

During 2009, my pastor is doing a series of sermons on doctrine.  This series promises to be interesting since he will focus on applications of Bible doctrine.  When they finally get posted, you may listen to his sermons at this site. FBF  He has begun the series with sermons about the Bible itself.  This morning's sermon was "The Bible – Inspired By God".  Now that finally brings me to this week's hymn.  When Dianne was asked to play the offertory for the early service, we looked for some music that might be appropriate for his sermon.  My mind went back to a song which we sang many years ago.  In fact, if I think about it, I can almost hear my grandfather leading this song in his church in the 1960's.  My grandfather emphasized the need to get into the Word on a regular basis.  He annually presented bookmarks to those who had read their Bible through that year.  My wife and I have many of these. Even to this day my dad and my aunt read their Bible through each year – they never fail to do this.  So this morning Dianne played on the piano this song which was written by Edwin Hodder in 1873.  Music was added by Gottfried Fink in 1842.  We knew few in the congregation would recognize the music so we projected the words while she played.  The song uses numerous pictures to show how the Word of God can affect our lives.  There is so much help in it for us in all situations of our lives. And there is always something new to be found.  All we need to do is faithfully spend time in it – plucking the beautiful flowers, digging for the jewels, preparing ourselves for the battles of life, and finding the guidance that we need.  Have you spent time in the Word today?  Have you found a jewel today?

(1)   -  Thy Word is like a garden, Lord, with flowers bright and fair;

And every one who seeks may pluck a lovely cluster there.

Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine; and jewels rich and rare

Are hidden in its mighty depths for every searcher there.

(2)  - Thy Word is like a starry host: a thousand rays of light

Are seen to guide the traveler and make his pathway bright.

Thy Word is like an armory, where soldiers may repair;

And find, for life's long battle day, all needful weapons there.

(3)  - O may I love Thy precious Word, may I explore the mine,

May I its fragrant flowers glean, may light upon me shine!

O may I find my armor there! Thy Word my trusty sword,

I'll learn to fight with every foe the battle of the Lord.