The Happiest Year You Will Ever Know
There are some hymns that disappear because they are simply not very good. There are some hymns that disappear because they are too tied to a particular niche. And there are some hymns that disappear because their language becomes antiquated. I think this hymn/poem by John Newton spans the latter two categories. It is closely tied to New Year’s, so likely to be sung for only one Sunday out of every 52. And then some of the language has become just a little bit old-fashioned.
Still, it is worth dusting off, reading, and pondering as one year fades into another. In it, Newton marks the year that has gone and celebrates the year to come (though possibly not right now)—the year that will prove to be the best of your life.
See! another year is gone!
Quickly have the seasons passed!
This we enter now upon
May to many prove our last.
Mercy hitherto has spared,
But have mercies been improved?
Let us ask, am I prepared
Should I be this year removed?Some we now no longer see,
Who their mortal race have run;
Seemed as fair for life as we,
When the former year begun;
Some, but who God only knows,
Who are here assembled now,
Ere the present year shall close,
To the stroke of death must bow.Life a field of battle is,
Thousands fall within our view;
And the next death-bolt that flies,
May be sent to me or you:
While we preach, and while we hear,
Help us, Lord, each one, to think,
Vast eternity is near,
I am standing on the brink.If from guilt and sin set free,
By the knowledge of Thy grace;
Welcome, then, the call will be
To depart and see Thy face:
To Thy saints, while here below,
With new years, new mercies come;
But the happiest year they know
Is their last, which leads them home.
-
Free Stuff Fridays (Zondervan Reflective)
This week’s Free Stuff Fridays is sponsored by Zondervan Reflective, who also sponsored the blog this week.
They are giving away FIVE 3-packs of J. Warner Wallace’s NEWEST book Person of Interest so you can do a reading group with your family or friends.
Here is more about the book:
Can the truth about Jesus be uncovered—even without a body or a crime scene? Join cold-case detective and bestselling author J. Warner Wallace as he investigates Jesus using an innovative and unique approach he employs to solve real missing person murder cases.
In Person of Interest, Wallace carefully sifts through the evidence from history alone, without relying on the New Testament. You’ll understand like never before how Jesus, the most significant person in history, changed the world.
Features:Join a cold-case detective as he uncovers the truth about Jesus using the same approach he employs to solve real murder cases
Marvel at the way Jesus changed the world as you investigate why Jesus still matters today
Learn how to use an innovative and unique “fuse and fallout” investigative strategy that you can also use to examine other claims of history
Explore and learn how to respond to common objections to ChristianityDetective J. Warner Wallace listened to a pastor talk about Jesus and wondered why anyone would think Jesus was a person of interest.
Wallace was skeptical of the Bible, but he’d investigated several no-body homicide cases in which there was no crime scene, no physical evidence, and no victim’s body. Could the historical life and actions of Jesus be investigated in the same way?
In Person of Interest, Wallace describes his own personal investigative journey from atheism to Christianity as he carefully considers the evidence. Creative, compelling, and fully illustrated, Person of Interest will strengthen the faith of believers while engaging those who are skeptical and distrusting of the New Testament.
Go here to find out more about Person of Interest.Enter Here
Again, there are five 3-packs to win. And all you need to do to enter the draw is to drop your name and email address in the form below. -
Free Stuff Fridays (Crossway)
This week’s Free Stuff Fridays is sponsored by Crossway, who also sponsored the blog this week. They are giving away the new The Biggest Story Bible Storybook. There will be five winners this week and each will receive a copy of each of these Bibles.
Here is how Crossway describes it:
The Bible is a BIG book about the BIGGEST story. Each page tells about the God who created the world, acted in history, and continues to act in the present. In The Biggest Story Bible Storybook, pastor Kevin DeYoung shares this grand story with children ages 6–12 through 104 short chapters.
Beginning in Genesis and ending with Revelation, DeYoung provides engaging retellings of various Bible stories, explaining how they fit into the overarching storyline. Each reading is coupled with beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark and concludes with a reflective prayer. Perfect for bedtime stories or to read together as a family, both children and parents alike will experience afresh the captivating story of the Bible in an easy-to-understand, compelling way.
Enter Here
Giveaway Rules: You may enter one time. By entering, you will be added to Crossway’s mailing list. Winners will be notified by email. The giveaway closes Saturday at noon. If you are viewing this through email, click to visit my site and enter there. -
A La Carte (April 18)
Good morning from somewhere far out over the Pacific as I make my homeward journey. Blessings to you today!
(Yesterday on the blog: Behind-the-Scenes: Conference Speaking)
George Verwer (1938–2023)
Justin Taylor has written a lovely obituary for mission mobilizer George Verwer who “went to be with his Lord and Savior after a two-month battle with Sarcoma cancer. He is survived by his wife,Drena, and their three children, Ben, Daniel, and Christa.” (See also Christianity Today)
What Comes to Mind When You Think of Heaven?
Renee Zou wants you to think about heaven. “How can we remind ourselves that eternal life is real, and we are heading for it? How do we increase our desires to be in the new creation? Here are four ways to help ourselves and others along the journey home.”
GOD IS FAITHFUL DESPITE WAR AND VIOLENCE IN UKRAINE
“We had never prayed so much before,” shared Lyena, a Ukrainian woman whose home was destroyed in the war. “I had never read the Psalms so thoughtfully before. It was the encouragement that brought tears of gratitude and joy. I realized that only when you walk through the valley of mortal darkness, you learn to completely trust God, and then you are not afraid, because the Lord is with you.” (Sponsored Link)
Hebrews 11 and Cancel Culture
Jim Newheiser: “Cancel culture has … come to evangelical Christianity as both contemporary and historical figures are judged to be unworthy because they said or did something deemed to be oppressive or incorrect. Former allies are persona non grata. What once were close personal friendships have been severed.”
Called to Sacrifice
“Several years ago, a man in our church who had spent much of his life as a missionary in Africa spoke of not liking the word ‘sacrifice’ in reference to his service. He said it was his privilege to serve the Lord and not at all a sacrifice.” And while that may be true, God really does call us to sacrifice in a number of ways.
I’d like a refund for this cup of suffering
“I have a journey before me, but I’m standing at the front desk with a complaint, ‘Excuse me, sir, I specifically asked that this cup would be taken from me. And yet, behold, still there is a cup. I would like this to be rectified.’ And Jesus comes alongside me to guide me. ‘Yet not what I will, but what you will,’ He coaches me.”
There Is a Healthy Hatred
”There is, according to God’s Word, a kind of healthy hatred.” Justin Huffman explains what it is.
Flashback: The Best Argument for Using a Printed Bible
When you have run your race and received your reward, your Bible will live on as a testimony to your interests, to your character, and ultimately, to your Christian profession.You are not in this parenting drama alone…because the One who is without weakness is with you, and he does his best work through those who admit that they are weak but in weakness still heed his call. —Paul David Tripp
