Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53:1-6, John 19:1-5, John 19:28-30, Romans 8:1-4, Revelation 5:12
Easter 2015 was particularly memorable for the Davis clan. We had new baby sheep on our little farm, and I got the bright idea to take one of those sweet little lambs to our family Easter celebration at my mom’s house. My nieces and nephews were smitten with the lamb, so much so, that they decided to take him for a walk. You can probably guess where this is going, even if they couldn’t—the lamb got loose. It seems a herd of children screaming and running toward him caused the lamb to bolt, getting lost in the woods.
The kids handled the escape pretty well, until someone mentioned the threat of coyotes. Suddenly there was a symphony of screaming and crying. Not even the promise of another chocolate bunny could console them. For more than two days we searched for our lost lamb. His mama stood out in the field and called for him until she was hoarse. I told my boys he was likely a goner. Then someone had the bright idea to put our plight on Facebook. I never saw the post, but I am sure it went something like this: “Easter lamb led to the slaughter by adorable children in church clothes.”
Remarkably, that post led to a phone call; our lamb had been spotted! He had wandered more than five miles in the opposite direction of our farm, was now fleabitten and starving, but he was alive. It was incredible, but the very best part of the story was yet to come.
When we opened the gate, the little lamb immediately ran to his mama. And as he nursed for the first time in more than two days, his little tail wagged at super speed. What was lost had now been found. Of course, the lost lamb is a picture of a bigger, more significant drama. God used it to remind me of the wonder of the gospel.
We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way (Isaiah 53:6).
Our lamb ran away from all that was good for him. He chose to rebel against the safety of the sheep pen in favor of a life of hardship, sickness, and uncertainty. Just like the prodigal son Jesus described in Luke chapter 15, the lamb bolted from the source of tender care, only to wallow about in self-imposed misfortune. Though our lost sheep didn’t hold much monetary value, we searched relentlessly for him all the same. We desperately wanted him to come home. When he did, I was reminded that Jesus pursued me when I was still running away from Him in glad rebellion, in spite of the fact that I was running toward my own destruction.
Guilty, helpless, lost were we;
blameless Lamb of God was He,
sacrificed to set us free:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
I am prone to spiritual amnesia. It’s so easy for me to forget how lost I was apart from Christ. I need frequent reminders that I was once a wayward lamb, helpless, and vulnerable to an Enemy who “is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1 Peter 5:8). I didn’t save myself from that desperate situation. I couldn’t. Jesus made a way for me to come home and then came looking for me to show me the path back.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Text and Tune: Philip P. Bliss, 1875
Man of sorrows what a name
for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
in my place condemned He stood,
sealed my pardon with His blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Guilty, helpless, lost were we;
blameless Lamb of God was He,
sacrificed to set us free:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
He was lifted up to die;
“It is finished” was His cry;
now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
then anew this song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Erin Davis is an author, blogger, and speaker who loves to see women of all ages run to the deep well of God’s Word. When she’s not writing, you can find Erin chasing chickens and children on her small farm in the Midwest.
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196 thoughts on "Hallelujah! What a Savior!"
Meghan welcome home! Gods persistent love and faithfulness never ceases to leave me in awe ❤️
“I didn’t save myself from the situation. Jesus came looking for me, and he provided a way for me to come back.” HALLELUJAH ❤️
I Love this!!!
This is my first time trying one of these programs, as I’m working to return to my faith after a couple years without being able to go to church on a regular basis. I miss having the reassuring presence of God in my life, but this was a nice reminder that he is always there looking out for me.
This is so so so what I’m feeling now.
Hallelujah!
I’ve never heard this hymn, as a nondenominational, but the austin stone version is beautiful!
I honestly chose this guide randomly as a way to kick start my probably 5th return to Christ since becoming an adult. It’s so easy to become distracted…and then ashamed…and prolong the yearning in my heart. Misunderstanding why I’m never happy or why other ppl just make me feel ick and it’s because they’re almost like false idols. This word resonated with me a lot because I am a lost sheep who is going to find my way back to my Sheppard no matter what it takes.
This had me in tears! I knew there was a reason I needed to switch up my morning routine from my daily bible reading (read through in a year! My first time and I’m loving it!) at night and add a devotion like this in the morning! I love how Holy Spirit leads us! I think I’m gonna do this whole series!
What a great reminder for me today that Jesus brings us hope in such a hopeless situation. Hallelujah! What a Savior
Amen!
This last month has been an incredibly difficult time for me. My relationship ended, I had leave my two dogs with him, I had to move out of our house, my town and community was demolished in tornadoes, and now the world waits for when we can live without fear of coronavirus. This is a huge comfort to my very broken spirit right now. God swooped in and wrapped me up even in the midst of all of this, when I felt so unworthy of him. What a love our Heavenly Father shows us.
In this time of fear and anxiety in our world, it is easy to forget God is pursuing us. We ask where is God? I needed a reminder that God is still after me. When the world around me is crumbling God is restoring me and doing something beautiful with my life. God is still here in the midst of chaos. He wants me.
So glad I found this today. I’ve strayed and am so tired of being lost and ready to find the way again.
Even in my own selfishness and stubbornness, I am still pursued. God still watches over me, waiting for me to run back.
Hallelujah, What a Savior!
This is my first plan through this app and I am excited to learn more!
Thank you God for always welcoming me back home even when I make mistakes.
..
So excited!
I’ve been going through a season of silence and unable to see a clear path to where He wants me next. It’s time to dig deeper and turn more towards Him.
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Time for me to get to work! Been through a very deep valley in the last 6 months. Trying to manage it all…
I love this!! I have finally decided it’s time for me to get down to business and study the word every single day and this was the perfect one to kick off with. Like the lamb, I have strayed away from God and I have to find my way back to what is SO GOOD for my soul!! Let’s do this.
What a great reminder!
Thank you for the reminder that my children who aren’t walking with Jesus are still his little lambs.
They certainly are Robyn. And one day they will return to their Savior. Don’t lose hope.
The reminder of how much god loves us and how he saved us!! Really touched my heart. He is worthy to be praised !!! God is soo good even when we wander time and time again he always constant. God bore all pain was ultímate sacrifice there’s nothing that can’t be redeem by cross. We are free because of you Jesus. Thank you god!
The most beautiful part of this, is that the lamb only ran away because of his fear of the noise around him. Sometimes we become so fearful of the circumstances around us or the challenges facing us that it becomes all we see and we run in the opposite direction of God’s plans for our life because we let the world’s fears drown out His voice. He doesn’t stop searching though until we come back home and are placed along the right path again.
We can’t let fear of something hold us back. When it seems like it may overtake us, God is there to help us through. We have to trust not in ourselves, but, in the fact when it seems impossible for us, God is going to do it through us. We can’t trust in our own abilities, but we can always trust in His abilities that He uses through us.
Hallelujah! What a Savior! Throughout my life, I have been guilty of wandering away from Jesus— content to live in my own sin— surrounded by sadness and despair. But Jesus is always waiting, just around the corner, for us to return home. His love for us is relentless and everlasting. Thank you Lord.
I have gotten myself in this back and forth of desperately wanting to have a better relationship with my faith and God but getting caught up in the Physical world around me that I get in my own way. It is refreshing to know that I can repair my relationship and God is waiting with open arm. Please pray for continuity and motivation and love. Thank you
This is what I needed to read this morning. I’ve been running away from God without realizing it and I’ve been desperately wanting a better relationship with Him. It feels so good to know he hasn’t given up on me!
Thank you for this beautiful reminde!
John 19: 28-30 hit me today….in my Bible it says Jesus asks for a drink and was given vinegar. He was thirsty and wanted a drink and they gave him vinegar/sour wine. To think of all He’s done for us and all He’s given for us and I can be so selfish to not pause in my day to be grateful. It’s very humbling how He constantly welcomes us back with open arms.
So grateful to God for finding me and reminding me come home!
Lord, thank you for relentlessly pursuing me from my own destruction. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Lord, I’m sorry for the ways I have been doubting you. Thank you for constantly Pursuing me and keeping me safe. Thank you for the everlasting life I have even though I have made mistakes and failed you time after time. I love you
Amen
God is awesome
This reminds me to be thankful for everything we have in this imperfect world. Here in Cali I have been complaining about the horrible air quality we are experiencing due to the many fires going on…this reminds me to be thankful that there isn’t a threat of me “losing” my home and family to these fires while others do have that threat. I am praying for them all.
God is so good!
Being humble is a beautiful thing , I have learned to be humble which I’m grateful!
I had been looking for a way to kind of strengthen my relationship with Jesus lately because I had felt distant and this is exactly what I needed! I feel like it is easy to get distracted in our everyday lives and end up “lost in the forest” with out realizing we had even wandered off. But Jesus is always there to take our hand and walk us back home with him. I had been lost in the forest when I heard about this #SHEREADSTRUTH on WBGL which brought me here to this realization. That was his hand reaching out to take me back! Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Love this! How I need Jesus everyday!
As someone who has deviated away from spending time with God and strengthening my faith, I downloaded SRT as an attempt to rekindle my Christianity. This devotional is the first of SRT’s that I’ve read, and it is so so sooo what I needed to kickstart my journey back towards God’s plans and hopes for me. The reminders of God’s phenomenal love and what He has done for us was more than enough to help me once again realize how much I need Him and how much I want to have a relationship with Him.
The analogy of the sheep was also much needed; I have been like the sheep for these past months and this devotional lead to the re-realization and reflection of my sinful ways.
On another note, I have heard this hymn many, many times in church. It was always “just a song we sing in church” to me, but this devotional reiterated the importance of it’s message to me and revealed the significance of what this hymn is really about.
Anyways, it’s past 2am so I have no idea if anything that I’ve typed makes sense. But hallelujah! What a Saviour!!!! :)
I’m in the same boat! I have been spiritually “dry” for some time, and am excited to exercise discipline to reconnect with God! This devotional was especially helpful for me in a time of reflection.
I feel the same way!
Thanks for sharing Rachel. We’re so glad that you’re reading along with us and grateful that you’re a part of our community. -Margot, The SRT Team
Hello, fellow boat-mates!! Much love and hugs!!!
Beautiful and necessary message for me this morning! ❤️
As I enter into another week of work, I can sense the evil one trying to steal my joy. This reminded me that I am a priceless and precious child of God and he goes after his lost sheep ❤️ Hallelujah
I was praying about this over the weekend. Just what I needed to read as a reassurance.
Woke up at 4AM with fear of the new journey that I am just about to start. I felt like the little lamb running to her mamma when I read this scripture. So blessed!
Funny how these readings are set in front of me just when I need them
There is a prodigal son in our home. He runs to his destruction. We have a blended family and my husband stays on his knees for his son. Amazing Study.
i don’t even know what to say. This is exactly what i need in sooo many ways. Thank you so much She Reads Truth for putting together such amazing study’s❤️
I needed this reminder of the humility of our great God and Savior in the suffering of Jesus Christ. I have been struggling with my desires warring within me and not wanting to humble myself in the face of my husband’s pride. All kinds of little, day-spoiling conflicts are coming up in what is supposed to be a very special season for us. And my 3 year old is witnessing her parents acting in ways that I’m ashamed of. It’s so hard to be the first one to let go of pride, until I remember Christ. Then I am only ashamed that I didn’t relinquish my will all the sooner.
This is exactly what i needed today. I overwhelm myself all the time and forget to give it all away. Thank you!!!
I definitely needed this today! I didn’t know I was going to start this plan. I usually have a playlist for my quiet times. Today I planned to open with “Man of Sorrows” and close with “Just as I am” , and then I went through the app to find a plan. My songs and Bible reading went hand in hand! Today was my first day, Hallelujah, What a Savior !
There are times when I feel lost or hopeless. When I forget I am never truly alone. Its then I am always led back to the Word. As a stay at home, homeschooling mom of 3 I feel like sometimes I let the day to day stresses of the flesh blind me from the Spirit and am always thankful when I am guided back.
I am also a new mom to a 7 week old and this is true if me as well. What a blessing to know even though I have faltered in my walk and faith Jesus still seeks me, calling me to return to his comfort, safety, and wisdom.
I am 8months postpartum with my first baby and have felt a lot like you described too. I say some prayers while nursing and read some of the Bible board books, but I have felt like a fraud almost. I love the image of Jesus seeking us out and beckoning to us to return, and then guiding us back into the fold.
I’m 4 months postpartum and struggling with some very real postpartum depression. I couldn’t have put it better than Anna did: I feel like a fraud. How can I be so obviously blessed and in the middle of what should be the most beautiful and joyous season, and be so incredibly downtrodden? Fortunately, my care team is comprised of believers and I am getting meaningful help. Praise Jesus that He will pursue us. Y’all are doing such important work, nurturing and raising these little ones – I pray you’ll feel the Spirit nurturing and raising you, too.
Ashley, I just want you to know I am praying for you now. Praying that God brings strength and help with your PPD, which it sounds like you are receiving. PPD is such a difficult thing to talk about, but it is so wonderful to see you and others being open and honest, so that others don’t feel alone. Blessings to you!
Hi there Ashley. My heart broke when reading your post as I struggled with exactly the same thing. Very severe postpartum depression, had to be hospitalized at one stage. I was overwhelmed with guilt as I also could not figure out why I was so desperately sad in this supposedly joyous time. I had everything I needed plus a healthy baby and yet could not get out of that black hole. I just want to say I will pray for you; Jesus is truly with you and will lead you through this, even if you feel like He is a million miles away. I pray for healing and and that you’ll be able to have grace with yourself. Keep getting that help, slowly but surely the fog will lift.
Sincerely
Caroline
Not sure if you new moms will read this but I also struggled with SEVERE post partum depression. I want to encourage you to HOLD ON to the hope that is within you, to remember you have been SEALED by the Holy Spirit, and that this WILL pass! Jesus is with you now more than ever and will not only lead you through it, He will carry you. Your babies are proof of how much He loves you, giving to you a gift that He died for…He is so good! Praying for you and believing Him for the good things in your lives. Oh, and my girls are now precious treasures at 19 and 16 years old ;). Yet I will never forget how He brought me out of that difficult time in my life. Hugs to you ladies!
To all of you ladies with young babies (whether or not you have PPD), I’m praying for you. Yes, this is a blessed time in your life, but it is also a huge change. I pray that you can surround yourselves with the support you need and remember that Jesus is always with you.
Rebecca, Anna, and Ashley you are not alone. I am a new mom to a 3 month old and feel like I have strayed so much as well. It is very easy to get lost in feedings, lack of sleep, diaper changes, meeting all of their needs and yet still have a schedule/sense of normalcy. I am hoping this study will be the start of me getting back on track. You ladies are in my prayers.
Starting a playlist with songs that come to mind as I read the days verses and stories. Today it was:
“Come though fount” –
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
Great idea!!
Man of Sorrows by Hillsong is also a great one!
I love this idea!
It was a very beautiful meditation. I love it. ❤️
Hallelujah what a Savior! I was once lost but he found me.
The past few weeks I’ve felt like I’ve drifted from Jesus. I have been reading small bits of scripture here and there but I didn’t feel like picking up my Bible or even clicking on this app. I haven’t even felt like praying much. As I lay here waiting for my little guy to fall asleep, I decided to start this study!
Wow! If this isn’t Jesus speaking to me, then I don’t know what is! Thank you for getting me back in the Word!
❤️
I was so hesitant to start this plan, as i thought it wouldn’t be rooted in scripture enough or what I was looking for. Praises I was wrong! I’ve been thinking about this plan for a while, and now am so glad to start (even a little late!!). Love the analogy with the sheep, of just how badly we lose our way without the Lord. Our ways are just as silly and detrimental and far removed from hope as the lambs!
Dear Erin and SRT~ Thank you so much for sharing this story. This story brought to mind two songs I really like. One is called “When God Ran” and “Mercy Came Running” both songs are by Phillips, Craig and Dean.
I also have a question that I’m not sure how to phrase, so please bare with me. My question is this, Sometimes I feel like I “take advantage” of His Love, Grace and Patience with me. I’m not talking about “big sins” or anything like that. I’m basically talking about putting other things before Him. I hardly read the Bible or pray. Having SRT is definitely helping though :) It seems like every time I try to set aside a “quiet time” something distracts me (t.v. etc) or I have legitimate appointments to go to etc. I always seem to say “I’ll do it later” and then it’s the next day and so on. (For instance, I still need to work on Nehemiah and Corinthians.) Sometimes, I would even like to put a question or comment on the corresponding board about what I’ve read, but I feel like it would be coming “out of the blue” or that no one would see it because the community has moved on to another study.
On a related note, how do we know if someone has responded to our post(s)? Do we get an email or something? Can someone please help me with both of my questions? Thank you!!
I love this part: “… I was reminded that Jesus pursued me when I was still running away from Him I’m glad rebellion, in spite of the fact that I was running toward my own destruction.”
Wow. There are times when I look back on times in my life when I did just that and yet here I am today. The Lord has been so gracious to me, more than I deserve. I don’t ever want to lose sight of the fact that it is Him, not me, who is my soul’s keeper and my heart’s treasure.
Love this and reading comments to feel connected to others reading the same! I have been so far astray in my walk with Jesus by just being complacent in routines like going to church being enough to get me through, but it’s been so obvious in the symptoms of my life with family, friends, and especially my kids. So thankful this study popped up for me tonight and look forward to the next two weeks and finding a new one after that. Thanks for walking it with me!
We’re so glad that you’re here and reading along with us Kate! -Margot, The SRT Team
I agree it’s so cool to see how God can connect strangers in order to bring glory for his kingdom!
Your comment on complacency really struck a chord in my soul! It isn’t always a drastic “drift” to the wilderness, sometimes just a lack of seeking can make us feel distanced from God. Feeling called to tighten the reins a bit.
What a touching analogy.
This study was so powerful. I’ve been so resistant to soaking in the Word, mainly out of spiritual laziness. But when I finally say no to my pride and selfishness to get alone with Him, I’m so floored as to how I could reject time like this. Being with Jesus is the ONLY thing that truly satisfies my soul.
I’ve been running from the Lord for the past five months and I got to the point where I was believing I was not His because it was so easy to just keep sinning and it seemed like He wasn’t trying to stop me. Then, not only did he stop me in my tracks and reach His hand out to me, but He provided me with a sweet and simple escape route from my sinful lifestyle that I thought would be so hard to break free from. He reminded me that I am His and there is nothing I can do to change His mind, there is nothing I can do to escape His love. And even though He calls us to do difficult things, we are never alone and He will always provide what we need to see it through.
Amen completely! What an amazing testimony you have!!
This is a beautiful reminder that God has not given up on him, for me to be patient as I trust Jesus with my son!
I love Jesus so much and I am so thankful he has this all in his line of sight!
The illustration of the lamb bolting from the safety of his pen in favor of a life of hardship, sickness and hardship, hit very close to home. My youngest son launched himself from our home this past April ( he was a senior in H.S.)in an effort to escape a disciple placed on him because of a very unwise choice he made.
This has been one of the hardest things to walk through, watching him continue to make poor choices, refuse wisdom from all those who are invested in him,
I think a lot of us have ‘prodigals’ I have 2 boys beautiful, strong, capable adults now. Both caught up in drugs and alcohol. God is chasing the lost and prodigals so we need to be looking and expecting God to bring them home NEVER GIVE UP INTERCEEDING FOR YOUR CHN. Our 46 yrold is 2 yrs drug free saved at the very end of his life now the 43yr old is in the process of being intercepted from alcohol and I can’t praise God enough for all he’s doing
Definitely needed this. My fiancé has just told me he needs space and doesn’t know if he wants to marry me. I’ve been so lost and not knowing what is to come of it is. Something I was so sure of has just been totally wrecked. I know Gods plan is greater and I’ve learn his plan will prevail. But in this time of scared and loneliness I’ve learned so much from God and how his love is enough for me. If anyone is willing to pray for a stranger I would really appreciate it! Praying he is willing to work through things rather than run. Thank you.
Lauren- I will be praying for you!
Lauren, I will be praying for you as well. I pray you will lean into the Lord; His strength and His love. I will be praying for clarity; both for you and your fiancé. As I was about to hit the return key to end my comment, the song “Blessings” by Laura Story came on the radio. For some reason, I get the feeling that you should listen to the song. (BTW, I don’t usually have the radio on when I’m working on SRT)
Aww thank you so much!! Yessss I love that song!! Thank you for sharing! I really appreciate it!
Thank you Michelle!!
Mixhele Nickerson-Swanson
In response to Michelle 4 hours ago
Lauren, I will be praying for you as well. I pray you will lean into the Lord; His strength and His love. I will be praying for clarity; both for you and your fiancé. As I was about to hit the return key to end my comment, the song “Blessings” by Laura Story came on the radio. For some reason, I get the feeling that you should listen to the song. (BTW, I don’t usually have the radio on when I’m working on SRT)
Lauren- I’m praying for you too. I don’t know what God’s will is for you, but I do know that it is a perfect plan. I pray that He will give you peace and help you during this time of questioning.
Praying for you Lauren and discernment of His will.
Thank you Jesus. I know in my sinful state i had no value to you Father. Thank you for sending the gentle shepherd who called after me when I was a child. Thank you for letting me hear your voice that day. I will never forget it. Please give me ears to hear you like i did that day.
I need the Lord to rescue me now. I’ve gotten very lost. But I know my true identity as a daughter of the lamb!
Today goes hand in hand with our pastors sermon on Sunday. While you are running, Jesus is waiting, pursuing, searching for your heart to come back to him. And there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.
I echo the sentiments of what an awesome reminder this is and how much I needed to hear this today like it was placed here for me – but my heart feels that I need the reminder that this life isn’t about me but about Him. Though reading this has filled my cup this morning, now I need to choose to do something with that overflow. Find a way to bless others with this fresh perspective as I go about my day and not just leave it at how much I needed this. But how much I can use this for His glory.
Thank you for the reminder that this life here and now is more about Him than about me!
What an awesome reminder of his love for us!
❤️
Wow. Definitely an impactful moment as I read through this. How many times I’ve been that lamb; not really noticing that Jesus was searching for me until I somehow made it back to that place of refuge. What greater love is there than a father who never stops trying to bring you home. God is so good.
It seems that every day I am prone to wander away from the safety of Jesus’ wing. I am thankful that I have a God/Jesus that will continually come looking for me to bring me back to the fold.
What a joy to be welcomed home by our father, even when we are lost and have gone astray. Amen.
❤️
My heart rejoices! So grateful for God’s love. Having lost my way from Him and now slowing finding my way back to His love and grace. He loves me always even when I am not recognizing it.
When I strayed, it took a lot of self love, patience and time to restore all that was lost. I am now mended and grateful for every day he has given me.
Praising God for His sweet mercy towards His children.
❤️❤️❤️
❤️
This devotional was much needed and a great reminder of the sacrifices made me for me. I too have been running and I really needed to read this
I truly needed this. I have been straddling the fence of God’s love. I needed this reminder for all that’s been done for me to even have the opportunity to be saved. I have
You are so wanted, Jackie, and you fit in beautifully in the kingdom of heaven. What an incredible gift from The Lord!
I have been astray for many years and recently have started a new relationship where my boyfriend invites me to church every Sunday. This was my first time reading God’s word in a long time and I am thankful for this beautiful study to aid in guiding me. The illustration was exactly what I needed! Excited for this journey.
Lost lamb found!
First time paying for a lesson on this app. Pleasantly surprised. I’m in love
You can get it for free by going to the actual website instead of through the app :) I love this website and the devotionals!
This is a great and needed reminder that God rescued me and I need him. Sometimes it’s so easy to think about what I have to do or need to do and I put a lot of pressure on myself, but I didn’t save myself and I need God’s help everyday.
Thank you for this! I struggle with this everyday but I need to remember too that God saved me, and I need Him everyday
This was one of my favorite Hymns growing up. I went to a small Church of Christ in Alabama, and no matter how small the amount of people were there this hymn always shook off the walls and gave me goosebumps. I’m thankful to be reminded of God’s grace even when I’m a lost lamb.
I loved the verses & seeing how the Bible fishtails together. From Isaiah all the way to revelations.
I didn’t enjoy the illustration though, seemed more poor care of your sweet lamb on your behalf then it just wondering off.
Glad it was reunited with it’s mother & you have it back. Thanks for taking us on a journey through scripture!
Please discard last three post of mine. Having a problem with iPad.
live my life to God’s way. I was always wondering what I should do with my life. I also
live my life to God’s way. I was always wondering what I should do with my life. I also would
I have recently realized I need God in my life. It isn’t that I didn’t believe in God, it was I didn’t
Beautiful hymn. This devotional helped me calm down from a tearful moment in the bathroom at my job. I’m thankful for this reminder.
❤️
I too was brought to tears by the beautiful illustration and by the reminder of the perfect sacrifice which was necessary to redeem me. Thank you.
Today’s devotional was like a sweet rain after a dry season. I can’t express how much I needed those reminders today.
I’ve been asking God to restore the wonder of the gospel to me. I’m realizing that my focus has been on everything around me instead of on Him. Reading these passages and lyrics brought me to tears as I ponder the fact that He took my place and continues to pursue me when I wander off.
I have recently come to the same conclusion in my own life.
Loved today’s devotional. Just what I needed for my Monday.
I have definitely been running in the opposite direction, like the lost lamb. That part hit home to me, as I realized just how lost I am, and how my spirit lifts and my body vibrates with joy when I recognize my savior.
This was such a timely reminder for me… I often get spiritual amnesia and wonder away from God and to think that he loved/loves me regardless of my tendencies. He pursues me regardless of my actions…
Sometimes I do not realize I am running away. In fact I don’t realize it most of the time. But I do … I wonder… mostly because life’s busyness distracts me. You see I am a type a personality…. I am on time and stress if not. Therefore I wonder and do spend time with Jesus when time constraints are on at me. I just recently realized that I must say no and slow down if I really want to stay found. As I reflect on what I say yes to … this is the filter I now use… starting today! Will this take me away from my quiet time. If yes then say no if no then say yes. Trusting to say no even when it doesn’t make sense other than my walk with Jesus. Here is to a new beginning for me.
Praying for you Kelly, as I often find myself in similar situations.
I wandered off for many years and am so grateful that I was pursued and eventually returned to my Savior. Now I remind myself how important it is to spend time with The Lord daily. This time keeps me grounded and standing firm in Him. Hallelujah, what’s Savior!
Yesterday my beloved pastor spoke on Jesus’s death. He spoke on Spiritual Amnesia. And the accuser’s mocking with the crown of thorns. I know God wants me to own this message and my own incompetence—as I return again to His Truth and Grace.
Exactly what I needed today. Thankful for his perfect pursuit ❤️
I think the lamb did not willfully choose to wander. it went unknowingly astray and panicked upon realizing it was lost, trying to run from its mistake and o ly getting further and further from you. I find it more meaningful to think on how we can become lost without being “willful” or choosing to be. it can happen to us all. the shepherd does not search because a lamb chose to wander – he searches for the lost because they need his help.
Amen
Thank you God that you continue to pursue me even when I run away and welcome me back when I return…
What a great reminder. Which I need a lot of. For whatever reason when I get upset or sad I find it hard to seek God even though I know that will bring me the most comfort and healing. I find myself lost in myself and my hurt and anger. I will keep this hymn as a reminder to seek him in those times! Thank you!
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Hallelujah, what a Friend!
Hallelujah, King forever!
And we thank You for the cross!
No, the lamb in the story didn’t willfully choose to run away. He wandered off. Sometimes Christians wander off from the Lord and from the only real security we have. My son did this a few years ago after his daughter was born. My family and friends and I have been praying for him faithfully, and his wife and I can see God working in his heart. (I thank God for her every day!) it comforts me to know that Jesus is pursuing him. “No one can snatch them out of My Hand.”
that when we are frightened and run away OR willfully run away that God does pursue us relentlessly! I think of my mom’s favorite old Hymn “The Ninety and Nine” where a lamb wandered off the from fold and the shepherd left the 99 to go find the one that was lost. We have a Wonderful Savior indeed who focuses on each of us so intently that He will do and did so whatever it takes to bring us back into the fold.
amen! ❤️
Yes! Amen! He leaves the 99 for the one lost!
My gut response to this was that the lamb did not willfully choose to run away (like the prodigal son & us) and would not have run if the author had not taken it away from its home, familiar surroundings, its mother & security. It ran because it was frightened, and rightfully so. However, as I’ve read and re-read and re-read this example, I realize
This study is exactly what I needed today. Couldn’t have started it at a better time
This is a great reminder how we need to praise God all the time. I think I get caught up in life and don’t take time to appreciate what he has done for me. Looking forward to the next days of Bible study as we praise the Lord together!
Seeing Jesus as the lamb who was slain is always a great reminder of his humility and love for us. Seeing ourselves as lost sheep who are so earnestly sought after by the good shepherd is even more humbling. Thank you Lord for your sacrificial love for us!
Wow, thank you for the reminder.
Thank you for this study.
Love this!! This is my first study with SRT. Thank you for this! ♥️
Welcome Amanda, we’re so glad that you’re here reading along with us! -Margot, The SRT Team
I was a lost and quite rebellious lamb for a long time I wanted wealth and titles power appreciation till I got very disconnected to God still when I got to rock bottom it was just me and His grace. His was the love that carried me through darkness and slowly painfully to a fresh start. I need to remember His love is the ultimate sacrifice for I was unworthy
Eliza I have been going through a similar thing now. I was a traveling nurse up until about a month and a half ago (I have been a nurse for almost 39 years), it was my first time doing travel nursing, well I found out it wasn’t for me. I came back home discouraged and down not sure what I was going to do because after working as nurse all these years I can’t handle working in as many positions as I used to. At first I didn’t put it in God’s hands. I got a job through an agency doing private duty for a three-year-old who has several major medical problems and only weighs 18 lbs., this was about a month ago. I halfheartedly prayed whether or not I should take the job but when I went to talk with her parents and met her I decided to take the job. I haven’t regretted it. My other concern was where I was going to live because I gave up my apartment because I thought I was going to be a travel nurse for several years and didn’t want the expense. Well my niece offered for me to stay with her as long as I wanted. I at first didn’t think it was going to be long because my my niece had been very domineering, well in the last two to three years she has been dating this fine man and she has totally changed. I plan on live with my niece until she gets married or moves out east where her boyfriend lives. In all this time my faith and prayers were halfhearted. Now I have started to get myself back on track. Please pray for me.
I’m so glad He never gave up on me, even when I tried to run. The life I have now is so much better than any other life I could have planned for myself. What a Savior!
I love this passage in Isaiah. Nothing hits my heart quite like it. I’m excited to keep reading this plan! Thank you SRT.
Would you ladies please pray for our vacation bible school that starts today? For the leaders and the children – that all would be said and done for the glory of God and to bring honour to Jesus our Saviour? And what a Saviour He is!!!!! Thank you!
Hi Kim, thank you for sharing. Our team will definitely be praying for you and your Vacation Bible School this week. So glad that you’re here! -Margot, The SRT Team
Thank you!
Kim VBS is one thing my boys, niece and nephew all enjoyed every year. I remember my sister and I weren’t able to help because we were working but our mom always made up for us not being there. The four kids loved that their grandma helped. Our mom went to a different church than my sister and I (my sister and I went to the same church) so the kids also went to VBS at our mom’s church, they were always on different weeks. They kids loved it because then they got to be with Grandma even more plus at Mom’s church they learned a little Spanish, Mom went to a Mexican church. I will definitely be praying for all of you. God bless.
Thank you Dorothy! For your prayers and sharing your experience! My mother in law is also helping so my kids are excited to have her there!
It’s so easy to disconnect from the reality of what Jesus has done for us in his death, especially the horror and significance of his physical suffering. I am always stunned by the truth of Isaiah 53. He was pierced for our transgression and by his stripes we are healed.
Yet even when we were running so fast in the opposite direction he still died for us. Still pursued us in his love and mercy.
Hallelujah! What a saviour!
My husband preached on the 1 peter 5 scripture yesterday. Powerful words for us lambs led astray! Oh how we need that blameless, spotless Savior to rescue us…welcome us back to the fold….feed us with his basic sustenance once again until we can handle more. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
I’m so thankful that no matter how fast I may have bolted, no matter how lost I may have become, that His love is inescapable. His voice reverbs through the earth, His call is relentless, for He so greatly desires to be with us. How incredible! Hallelujah, indeed! What. A. Savior.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
I’ve heard / read this countless times and today I am feeling it with more weight than ever. The last few lines
“upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed”
But there have been so many times I still wont allow myself to sit in that peace and fully soak it in. Yet our savior died to give us peace and healing. I just miss that so much of the time.
I’m very excited to see where this plan goes. I hope to feel this weight / conviction every day.
My thoughts exactly!
Such a good word. Really excited about this plan.
Challenged yesterday to do something different than my normal. To keep chasing Jesus. Great reminder this morning that my frail attempts to chase him in order to learn more about him, He’s always been chasing and searching for me. Hallelujah what a savior!
AMEN!
I love the illustration of the literal lamb who ran away. It made for a self reflection of how severe it is when I blatantly run away from God and his plans of victory for me.
What a great reminder for me, that he is always welcoming me back home, with open loving arms!
may we always find our way home.
Good morning ladies,
I just wanted to share another wonderful resource that is free. I started doing a hymn of the month with my kids in January so not only I could learn hymns but my kids could as well. They were 4,2 and 9 months when we started. I was very excited to open the study this morning and recognize the hymn for today because of doing this other study so I wanted to share this resource. They have a free monthly printable that is beautiful and we listen and attempt to sing the hymn each morning after our bible story during breakfast. I wasn’t very insterested in learning hymns either up until we started doing this in January but God has spoken to me through so many hymns and I love hearing my small kids sing the songs even if it is just one line. The author of the blog also has a Spotify and YouTube playlist so many times throughout the day I will turn those on as well.
SRT, thank you for lying in scripture verses to the hymns. I am just as excited for this study as any of the other ones!
https://happyhymnody.wordpress.com/
Reminded this morning of who I was apart from Christ – a lost sheep, and who I am in Christ – a restored Daughter. Hallelujah!!
What a great reminder. Just for me.
This had really brought me back to the true reason of why I’m here, why I’m a Christian and what God has done for me. This has been a blessing!
I’m a vocalist and I feel like I can sing words a million times without truly knowing what I’m saying. Reading the lyrics and then the truth of scripture behind those lyrics was a new experience and absolutely incredible and I can’t wait to dive further into this study of these various hymns.
Lyndsey, same here and I cannot say how much I love hymns. The use of Gods words to praise Him with is lovely and what the words are intended for: to bring Him glory. ❤️
Thank you. I needed exactly this this morning.
I absolutely love this cover of that hymn on this album. Enjoy all! Hallelujah! https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/take-the-world-but-give-me-jesus/943500105
Beautiful. I see this in my own life—this and a gentle rebuke from the Lord through a dear friend’s story are touching me in a way I needed. Thank you Lord for reminding me where my obedience and safety lay.
Hallelujah, What a Savior!!!!! Beautiful reminder this morning!!! Lord, many I be reminded daily!!!
Beautiful story. Scripture and Song. Hallelujah, What a Savior!
My brother in law and sister in law co-pastor a church. They have served for many years and the worship would be described as contemporary. Several years ago they realized that their congregation had little to no knowledge of traditional hymns of the faith. They made a decision to incorporate hymns into their worship service because of the richness of the theology that are in so many of the lyrics. What a gift they’ve given! Hymns connect us to the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before. So thankful SRT is offering this series. So good to start the day with “Hallelujah, what a savior!” on my lips. Man of Sorrows. Son of God. Savior. Glorious King!! Hallelujah!
I fully agree with you Churchmouse. My father, in the last 3 to 4 years of his life, started going to a different church and he commented to me one Sunday evening when we were having dinner “this church is different when comes to music and I like. We sing traditional hymns and more up-to-date hymns (which to him was ‘Go Tell On the Mountain; He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands and This Land Is Your Land’).” This was coming from an 85 year-old man who was very set in his ways.
In the past, I skip the hymn study on SRT. Don’t misunderstand me, I love music but have greater ties with songs from Third Day, Michael English, and Mercy Me. However, this morning I was reminded of my grandparents going to gospel sings. Much more than that, I was touched, once again, by God’s unfathomable love for me, for you, and for all. Thanking God for Jesus!
I understand having greater ties to songs from Third Day, Mercy Me, David Crowder, and even TobyMac and Big Fish but I also hearing the hymns I grew up hearing (I guess this shows my age, LOL). I believe God has meaning and significance in all the music He creates through the many different artists.
Look at all that ground covered in just 5 stanzas. The divinity and humanity of Jesus, our need for redemption, Christ’s death as the complete act of redemption, His current presence in heaven, and the fact that we are waiting for His return for us as triumphant King. Hallelujah, what a Savior indeed!
I have always loved this hymn. The scripture that goes with it is so heart wrenchingly beautiful and the story visual flows perfectly. What a mighty God we serve! Such a much needed reminder to see yet again the deep, deep love our Father in Heaven has for us.
God is so wonderful that according to this him,he passed through so many disgusting moments yet he never gave up on saving us. God has so much for us all