Text: Deuteronomy 32:1-4, Matthew 7:24-29, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Edward Mote wrote just one hymn in his lifetime. From what we know of his life, “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” was just as much an anthem of his own testimony as it has become for believers all over the world.
Having grown up knowing nothing of God or His existence, Mote first attended church and became a Christian as a young adult. While still a new believer, he was compelled to try his hand at hymn writing. Thus, Mote wrote from a basic, yet profound understanding of his salvation.
Later that same week, he visited a married couple at the wife’s sickbed. Without a hymnal handy to lead them in a song of worship, Mote produced a folded-up piece of paper upon which he had worked out four verses and a chorus. Together, they sang the hymn now known as “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” for the first time, blessed by the truths of God’s Word in the lyrics.
Twenty years later, as a Baptist minister, Mote was instrumental in securing a building for his congregation. As a show of thanks, the congregants offered to put the deed in his name, but Mote refused, saying, “I do not want the chapel. I only want the pulpit; and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that!” (Dough 72). Mote understood the profound simplicity of what remains secure and what will always be slipping away.
Christ is the sole means of our salvation. Our hope is truly built on nothing less than Jesus.
My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less
Edward Mote; William B. Bradbury
My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
in every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]
His oath, his covenant, his blood
support me in the whelming flood;
when all around my soul gives way,
he then is all my hope and stay. [Refrain]
When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found,
dressed in his righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain]
Dough, Whitney J. The Hymnwriters: Our Unknown Friends: A Biographical Guide to British and American Sacred Song. Franklin, TN: Providence House Publishers, 1995.
This is a fantastic study! Not only am I being reminded of singing these songs in church, but can then remember the people and the Spirit that filled that church. I’m singing “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” in my head now. I think one of the reasons these old hymns mean so much, is that they were written by songwriters based on their personal experience. And they speak to our own experiences as well. I, too, remember the “Rains Came Tumbling Down” children’s song. Kids of later generations truly miss out by not having some of those wonderful children’s Sunday School songs.
I am praying for each and every request as I come to them, and then through the day and night. You’re all special and dear, and it is a privilege to pray with and for you.
I entered an update, but when I hit post, it disappeared. Maybe it will show up later. Here’s a shorter version: I took too many Tums over the last week or so. That can make you sick, including an acute kidney injury. Treatment is to wash it out of your system with lots of fluid. After several hours of giant amounts of fluid, I’m feeling better. It will take a few days for my kidneys to get back to normal, and thankfully, there was no permanent damage done. Thank you so very much to all of you who have been praying for me. I felt the support and God’s Presence.
Hi She’s! Many, many thanks to all of you have been praying for me. After many, many hours in the emergency department, it was decided that I had taken too many Tums over the past week or so. I had no idea that could make you so sick, including kidney failure. The only treatment is lots and lots of fluids. After that, I am feeling much better, but have a ways to go before my kidneys are back to normal. Thankfully, no lasting damage done.
MOLLY R – You are so welcome! It makes my heart smile to know the music was so enjoyed! I am so sorry the bugs are still with you and join in your prayer for a good night of rest for all of you! We have had sickness in our house for about19 days. So far, by God’s grace, I have escaped it, but keeping things sprayed/wiped down and sleeping on the couch is wearing me down. So I kinda hear ya!
NICOLE BURKE- prayers for all the farming families and sending thanks and appreciation for all the hard work!!!
GRAMIESUE – Praying for Brooks! Thanks for the update on Nahla and continued prayers for her and her family.
MERCY- I pray that the IT guy found the culprit and is taking care of that issue. I can understand being creeped out by that!
I’m really enjoying this study with you all! Praying through all of your requests! We are starting Harvest today for our corn and soybeans! Prayers for any other fellow Farm Wives! It’s a very challenging, exhausting season to go through, especially taking care of kids on your own! May we remember Jesus is our Hope and Firm Foundation no matter the struggles!
I noticed that we are once again talking about foundations. I was drawn to the list in 1 Corinthians 3:12 -15. “If anyone builds on the foundation (of Jesus Christ.) with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved – but only as through fire.”
I started to think about that list and realized that NOTHING on that list would survive fire. Gold and silver would melt away. Costly stones would explode! Wood, hay, and straw would be utterly consumed.
Only loving and following Jesus will pass the building requirement. The psalmist Edward Mote understood that perfectly. What an inspiration!
Good Morning! I know it! Like Michelle said, we sing the version Firm Foundation in church! It’s one of my favorites. I guess I don’t view it as an “old hymn” because it was in 95? That’s fairly new, lol!
I love the lyrics! We must stand on a firm foundation, because we know the winds are going to blow! The hardships will come, we will be shaken, torn and battered, or left barely standing…But God, He uses our storms for His good, for all who love him, good! On Christ’s solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand! Oh to remember that. I think my stubborn head has finally got it. I don’t know what is to come, but I would rather face it with my Lord and Savior then on my own. “On our own” always turns worse although it may not seem like it in the beginning, sin is tricky like that!
Prayers for all you beautiful She’s and the requests. I am so thankful we have a God that hears our prayers, that we can come to Him anywhere, anytime. In Jesus name! The only way, the truth and light.
I have prayer ministry today, I am praying for this light to touch them in the dark. I can imagine they miss their family and friends, and are really seeking truth. Jesus can come to you anywhere, and I pray they will find strength and comfort in Him.
@Teresa–Hope you are okay. Prayers for you sweet sister!
CEE GEE – thank you for the recommendation for “Pam’s Piano!” Somedays I love a good, upbeat worship set to get work done around the house, but somedays I love a good instrumental/piano playlist in the background and today, with the rain coming down and my little family recovering from various colds/viruses, her “sacred” playlist is so peaceful.
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – I remember that Sunday School song!!! And, I too, have recognized every hymn so far. Wish my kids would have similar memories, so I am doing my best to introduce them to the old hymns and sunday school songs.