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He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions – song similar to Isaiah 53 theme

Today at the nursing home, one of our church members sang a special of the song “He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions.”  Wow!!!  If you have never heard the song or looked at the words, you have missed something!  Our hymnal incorporates the first, second, and fourth verses in its score, which are the verses I recommend.

The devotional today was Isaiah 53, and this song incorporates many of the themes of that passage.  Have a look at some of the words written by Thomas Chisholm:

“He was wounded for our trangressions,
He bore our sins in His body on the tree;
For our guilt He gave us peace,
From our bondage gave release,
And with His stripes, and with His stripes,
And with His stripes our souls are healed.”

“He was numbered among transgressors,
We did esteem Him forsaken by His God;
As our sacrifice He died,
That the law be satisfied,
And all our sin, and all our sin,
And all our sin was laid on Him.”

Amazing words, right?

Where to find:

Many hymnals contain this song.

Living Hymns #165
Great Hymns of the Faith #117

If wish to hear an audio of song, here is a link for educational purposes.

FYI – The author also wrote other familiar songs such as “O To Be Like Thee” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

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We Rest on Thee

This is neat!

 

Here are the words:

We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender!
We go not forth alone against the foe;
Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.
Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.

Yes, in Thy Name, O Captain of salvation!
In Thy dear Name, all other names above;
Jesus our Righteousness, our sure Foundation,
Our Prince of glory and our King of love.
Jesus our Righteousness, our sure Foundation,
Our Prince of glory and our King of love.

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
And needing more each day Thy grace to know:
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.

We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender!
Thine is the battle, Thine shall be the praise;
When passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
Victors, we rest with Thee, through endless days.
When passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
Victors, we rest with Thee, through endless days.

– Edith Cherry

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Since it’s a familiar tune, your congregation would be easily able to sing it, or it could be done as a special, or even a choir piece.

Tune: Finlandia

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In addition – there are other words put to the same tune: We Thank You, Lord.

 

Bonus:  here is a piano arrangement that works well as an offertory.

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Offertory for Sunday – How Great Thou Art

Words cannot do justice to describe a song such as “How Great Thou Art!”  It is a song often listed as a favorite by individuals of all walks of life.  It is adored because of the admiration given to our great God.  The words truly speak to our hearts and magnify our Savior.

The following piece is a solo piano work arranged by James Koerts.  Personally, I view it as one of my favorite arrangements of this piece.  It clearly communicates the words and portrays the grandeur of our God.  Additionally, I like how the ending seems to reiterate the words “how great Thou art,” providing that final reflection on truly how great God is!  It is a magnificent piece!

 

Where to find:

James Koerts website

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Hiding in Thee

Christian hymn William Cushing Christian music

I received a letter tonight from a missionary friend struggling on the field.  Though not directly stated, you could hear the struggle that was being faced.  My heart went out to the individual.  We’ve all been there at various times and in various forms.  While contemplating the individual’s situation, the following words came to mind:

“O safe to the Rock That is higher than I.”

There is a Rock more solid than the shaky sand we may be on; there is a Fortress to Whom we can run; yet there is a loving Shepherd Who wishes to lead us “beside the still waters.”  Our music speaks often of God’s care for us.  This piece is no exception.

The following is an incredible piece of music.  The text was written by William Cushing.  It is a piece that speaks to the heart, both in the words as well as the music.

Here are the words to the first verse:

“O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly,
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine, would I be;
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.”

Where to find:
Most hymnals will contain this piece.

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Christian Music Conference

There is a Christian Music Conference being held in Virginia, Indiana, and Canada this year.  This is being hosted by Majesty Music, with The Wilds also represented.


(image from www.majestymusic.com/music-conferences.html )

For Virginia, the general session speaker is Kurt Skelly.  Workshops will be held by Ben Everson (vocal), Ron Hamilton, Shelly Hamilton, Jean Cook, Mac & Beth Lynch, as well as other skilled musicians.  It sounds amazing!

There will be a free concert held at the end open for the public to attend.

Here are the dates:
Indiana – July 19th-20th
Virginia – August 2nd-3rd
Canada (Ontario) – October 18th-19th

 

For more information and to register, follow this link.