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This is hymn 20 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 20: STAND UP! STAND UP FOR JESUS

1. Stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
his army he shall lead
till ev’ry foe is vanquished
and Christ is Lord indeed.

2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger
and strength to strength oppose.

3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.

4. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next, the victor’s song.
To him that overcometh
a crown of life shall be;
he with the King of glory
shall reign eternally.

STAND UP! STAND UP FOR JESUS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, today’s hymn is not a quiet meditation but a stirring battle cry and a clear call to action. “Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus” was born from a preacher’s dying words, transforming a personal exhortation into a timeless anthem for the Church. It addresses us not as bystanders but as enlisted “soldiers of the cross,” clarifying our identity, our duty, our strength, and our guaranteed victory in the spiritual conflict of this age.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to awaken our spiritual courage, to reaffirm our active duty in God’s army, and to fortify our resolve with the certainty of Christ’s ultimate triumph. It is a hymn for times of moral compromise, spiritual lethargy, and cultural opposition—a rallying call to visible, courageous faithfulness.

1. It is a Hymn of Identity and Unceasing Advance (Verse 1)
Our primary identity is martial: we are “soldiers of the cross.” Our first duty is to “lift high his royal banner”—to proclaim Christ’s kingship openly and unashamedly, ensuring His truth “must not suffer loss.” The hymn paints a picture of divinely-led momentum: “From vict’ry unto vict’ry his army he shall lead.” Our standing is not a desperate hold but part of a forward march toward the ultimate goal: the total defeat of every foe and the universal acknowledgment “that Christ is Lord indeed.” We stand in a winning campaign.

2. It is a Hymn of Urgent Obedience and Unflinching Courage (Verse 2)
The call to stand is a “trumpet call”—urgent, clear, and commanding obedience. We are to step “forth to the mighty conflict” recognizing the present time as “his glorious day,” the era of gospel advance. The conflict is real and the foes are “unnumbered,” yet the call is for courage that “rise[s] with danger” and for spiritual strength that actively “oppose[s]” the enemy. This is a call for valor, especially to “men” (meaning all believers of spiritual maturity) to serve with resolve.

3. It is a Hymn of Divine Strength and Spiritual Armor (Verse 3)
Here lies the secret to standing: “stand in his strength alone.” The hymn delivers a crucial warning: “the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.” Self-reliance is the path to certain defeat. Instead, we are commanded to “Put on the gospel armor” of Ephesians 6:10-18. Critically, this is not a passive act; each piece must be taken up “with prayer,” indicating our active, dependent engagement with God to be fitted for battle. Our posture must be one of readiness: “where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.”

4. It is a Hymn of Eternal Perspective and Sure Reward (Verse 4)
The hymn lifts our eyes from the present skirmish to the imminent and eternal victory. “The strife will not be long.” The “noise of battle” is temporary; the “victor’s song” is eternal. This hope is sealed with a promise from Scripture: “To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be” (Revelation 2:10). Our faithful standing leads to an unimaginable reward: co-reigning “with the King of glory… eternally.” The battle is fierce but short; the reign is glorious and everlasting.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you feeling pressured to be silent about your faith? Are you weary from the constant spiritual conflict in your heart, home, or community? This hymn sounds the trumpet for you.

Stand up. Identify yourself unashamedly with Jesus. Lift His banner in your speech and conduct. But remember, you are not called to stand in your own passion or wisdom. You will fail. You must stand in His strength alone. Today, consciously put on the full armor of God through prayer—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of the Spirit. Then, face your duty and your dangers with courage.

The battle is real, but the outcome is certain. Stand firm today, soldier of the cross, for your Captain leads you from victory to victory, and a crown of life awaits.

In the mighty name of Jesus, our conquering King and Captain, Amen.

This is hymn 17 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 17: PRAISE MY SOUL THE KING OF HEAVEN

1. Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!

2. Praise him for his grace and favor
to his people in distress.
Praise him, still the same as ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Allelvia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness!

3. Fatherlike he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows!

4. Angels, help us to adore him;
you behold him face to face.
Sun and moon, bow down before him,
dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace!

PRAISE MY SOUL THE KING OF HEAVEN HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this majestic hymn, “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” serves as both a personal command and a universal summons. It begins by addressing the individual soul and ends by calling all creation into the chorus. It is a hymn that beautifully bridges the intimate, personal experience of God’s mercy with His glorious, eternal character as the sovereign King. It teaches us that true praise is rooted in what we have personally received from His hand.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to command our own souls into the posture of worship, to recount the specific benefits of God’s grace in our lives, and to join our voices with the whole created order in adoration of the God who is both tenderly personal and majestically infinite.

1. It is a Hymn of Personal Redemption and Imperative Praise (Verse 1)
The hymn opens with a direct command to the self: “Praise, my soul.” Worship starts with a decision of the will, directing our innermost being to engage. We are to bring tribute to the King, not as distant subjects, but as those who have experienced His transformative power. The four-fold testimony is our resume for praise: “Ransomed” from slavery, “Healed” from brokenness, “Restored” to relationship, and “Forgiven” of all guilt. Because of this personal history, the duty of praise becomes the joy of praise “evermore.” The “Alleluia” is the spontaneous outburst of a grateful heart.

2. It is a Hymn of Covenantal Character (Verse 2)
Here, praise is anchored in the unchanging nature of God, especially as revealed in times of trouble. We praise Him for His “grace and favor to his people in distress.” His character is our comfort: He is “still the same as ever” (Hebrews 13:8), “slow to chide, and swift to bless.” This reveals a Father’s heart—patient with our failings and eager to pour out goodness. His reliability is not passive; it is “Glorious in his faithfulness!” We praise not a capricious deity, but a faithful covenant-keeping God.

3. It is a Hymn of Tender Providence and Present Rescue (Verse 3)
This verse expands on the Fatherly care of God. He is “Fatherlike,” a tender protector who “tends and spares us.” His care is informed: “well our feeble frame he knows” (Psalm 103:14). He does not merely observe; He actively intervenes—gently bearing us in His hands and actively “rescues us from all our foes.” The conclusion marvels at the scope of this personal care: “Widely yet his mercy flows!” It is both intimately gentle and infinitely expansive.

4. It is a Hymn of Unified Worship Across All Creation (Verse 4)
The final verse lifts our eyes from our personal experience to the ultimate reality of universal worship. We, who see through a glass darkly, enlist the help of those who see clearly: “Angels, help us to adore him; you behold him face to face.” Then, the call goes out to the cosmos itself: “Sun and moon, bow down before him, dwellers all in time and space.” Our personal song of gratitude is but one part of the eternal, universal symphony offered to the “God of grace.” Our praise finds its true context in this grand, creation-wide adoration.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Is your soul quiet, weary, or distracted? Command it to praise. Begin by recounting your personal testimony: How has Christ ransomed, healed, restored, and forgiven you? Let that memory ignite your “Alleluia.”

Are you in distress? Praise Him for His character that is “slow to chide, and swift to bless.” His faithfulness is your anchor. Feel your frailty? Praise Him as the Father who knows your frame and gently bears you. Let your mind ascend from your personal need to the cosmic throne, and see your life as part of God’s great story of redemption that all creation praises.

Today, do not just say words. From the depths of your soul, bring your tribute to the King. Join the song of the angels and the anthem of the spheres. For you have been sought, saved, and secured by the everlasting King of Heaven.

Praise, my soul! Alleluia!

In the name of the King of Heaven, our tender Father and faithful God, Amen.

This is hymn 16 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 16: Praise Him, Praise Him Jesus Our Blessed Redeemer

1. Praise Him! praise Him!
Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth! His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest angels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His Children,
In His arms He carries them all day long;
O ye saints that dwell on the mountain of His zion,
Praise Him! praise Him!
Ever in joyful song!

2. Praise Him! praise Him!
Jesus, our blessed Redeemer,
For our sins He suffered and bled and died;
He, our Rock, our Hope of eternal salvation,
Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus, the Crucified;
Loving Savior, meekly enduring sorrow,
Crowned with thorns that cruelly pierced His brow;
Once for us rejected, despised, and forsaken,
Prince of Glory, ever triumphant now.

3. Praise Him! praise Him!
Jesus, our blessed Redeemer,
Heav’nly portals, loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth for ever and ever;
Crown Him! crown Him! Prophet and Priest and King!
Death is vanquished! Tell it with joy, ye faithful,
Where is now thy victory, boasting grave?
Jesus lives! No longer thy portals are cheerless;
Jesus lives, the mighty and strong to save.

Praise Him, Praise Him Jesus Our Blessed Redeemer Hymn Commentary

Beloved in Christ, this hymn, “Praise Him, Praise Him,” is a full-throated, exultant call to worship. It is not a quiet meditation but a triumphant proclamation meant to be sung with joy and conviction. It compels every creature—from the angels in glory to the saints on earth—to unite in a symphony of praise for Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. It presents a sweeping view of His work, from His sacrificial suffering to His present reign and ultimate victory.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to actively obey the command to praise, to remind ourselves of the multifaceted glory of Christ, and to participate in the eternal celebration of His victory. It is a hymn that turns our focus from our circumstances to His supreme worthiness, filling our mouths with praise and our hearts with triumphant joy.

1. It is a Hymn of Universal Proclamation and Tender Care (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with a double command: “Praise Him! praise Him!” This praise is directed to “Jesus, our blessed Redeemer,” establishing the reason: He has bought us back. The call to worship extends to all creation (“Sing, O Earth!”) and even to the angelic host. We are to ascribe to Him “Strength and honor.” Then, the imagery shifts from cosmic to intimate: this mighty Redeemer is also the gentle “shepherd” who personally guards, carries, and tends His children. For those who dwell in His presence (“the mountain of His zion”), the only fitting response is unending, “joyful song.”

2. It is a Hymn of Sacrificial Love and Glorious Reversal (Verse 2)
This verse grounds our praise in the historical horror and beauty of the cross. We praise Him because “For our sins He suffered and bled and died.” He is our foundation (“our Rock”) and our future (“our Hope of eternal salvation”). The hymn forces us to gaze upon the depth of His humiliation: “meekly enduring sorrow, Crowned with thorns.” He was “rejected, despised, and forsaken.” But the line pivots in glorious triumph: that same suffering Savior is now the “Prince of Glory, ever triumphant now.” Our praise celebrates the great reversal—the Crucified is the Conqueror.

3. It is a Hymn of Victorious Reign and Conquered Death (Verse 3)
The final verse erupts with the sound of heaven’s praise (“Heav’nly portals, loud with hosannas ring!”). It declares His eternal kingship: “Jesus, Savior, reigneth for ever and ever.” We are called to crown Him in our worship as the fulfillment of every office: “Prophet and Priest and King!” The pinnacle of our praise is the victory over our last enemy: “Death is vanquished!” The hymn taunts the grave with the words of Scripture: “Where is now thy victory, boasting grave?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). Because “Jesus lives!” death is defanged, the grave is no longer cheerless, and He is proven “the mighty and strong to save.” Our praise is the echo of the empty tomb.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Is your heart heavy? Does worry silence your song? This hymn commands your soul to engage in a higher reality. Look away from the problem and look at your Redeemer.

Praise Him for the specific truths in this hymn: Praise Him as your Shepherd carrying you today. Praise Him as your Rock, solid and secure. Praise Him as the Crucified who bore your sin. Praise Him as the Triumphant Prince who reigns. Praise Him as the Living King who has robbed death of its sting.

Do not wait for a feeling; begin with an act of will. Open your mouth and declare His praise. Join the song of the angels and the saints. For you have every reason—from the cradle to the cross to the crown to the empty tomb—to make your life a perpetual chorus: Praise Him! Praise Him!

Crown Him in your heart and with your voice today.

In the name of Jesus, our Blessed Redeemer and Eternal King, Amen.

This is hymn 15 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 15: Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour

1. Pass me not, O gentle savior
Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by.

Saviour, Saviour
Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by.

2. Let me at thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition
Help my unbelief.

3. Trusting only in the Thy merit
would i seek thy face
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
save me by thy grace.

4. Thou, the spring of all my comfort
More than life to me
Whom have I on earth beside Thee
Whom in Heav’n but Thee?

Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour Hymn Commentary

Beloved in Christ, while many hymns celebrate the joy of salvation, this heartfelt plea, “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour,” gives voice to the soul in its moment of desperate longing and holy fear. It is the prayer of one who sees the grace of God at work in others and, feeling their own deep need, cries out to be included. This hymn teaches us that the doorway to Christ’s presence is not self-confidence, but a humble, persistent cry for mercy.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to express our utter dependence on God’s grace, to combat the fear of being overlooked by God, and to model the posture of humble, persistent prayer. It is a hymn for the seeker, the struggling believer, and anyone who feels their spiritual poverty. It reminds us that our Savior is “gentle” and hears the humble cry.

1. It is a Hymn of Urgent, Personal Appeal (Verse 1)
The hymn opens with a cry born from observation and fear. The singer sees Christ’s work in others—His calling, His blessing—and is gripped by a holy terror of being missed. “While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by.” This is not a demand, but a “humble cry.” It acknowledges God’s sovereign freedom to call whom He will, yet pleads for inclusion. The doubled address, “Saviour, Saviour,” intensifies the personal, pleading nature of the prayer. It is the prayer of the blind beggar Bartimaeus on the roadside, refusing to be silenced (Mark 10:47-48).

2. It is a Hymn of Seeking Relief and Honest Struggle (Verse 2)
The soul knows where the answer lies: at the “throne of mercy.” We come not to a throne of judgment, but of grace, to find “sweet relief” (Hebrews 4:16). The posture is one of “deep contrition”—a genuine sorrow for sin. Yet, in beautiful honesty, the prayer includes a cry that every believer understands: “Help my unbelief.” We acknowledge that even our faith is weak and needs the strengthening hand of the very Savior we are seeking (Mark 9:24).

3. It is a Hymn of Rejecting Self and Trusting Merit (Verse 3)
Here, the theology of the plea is made clear. We approach “Trusting only in Thy merit.” We bring no resume, no personal worthiness. Our only plea is the finished work of Christ. The requests are profound: first for inner healing (“Heal my wounded, broken spirit”), and then for ultimate salvation (“save me by thy grace”). The healing of the spirit and the saving of the soul are both works of His grace alone.

4. It is a Hymn of Christ as Supreme Treasure (Verse 4)
The plea culminates in a declaration of Christ’s supreme worth. He is not just a means to an end; He is the end itself. He is the “spring of all my comfort” and “More than life to me.” The soul, having sought Him, now realizes His incomparable value. The rhetorical questions—“Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in Heav’n but Thee?”—echo Psalm 73:25, affirming that God alone is the soul’s ultimate portion and desire, both now and forever.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Do you feel passed by? Do you see God’s blessing in the lives of others while you struggle with need, doubt, or a sense of spiritual distance? This hymn gives you the language for your prayer.

Do not silence your cry. Bring your humble plea to the gentle Savior. Be honest about your unbelief, your brokenness, and your complete lack of merit. Cling only to His.

Remember, the very fact that your heart cries out to not be passed by is evidence of the Spirit’s work within you. The gentle Savior stops for the one who cries. Come to the throne of mercy today. He will not pass by a seeking, contrite heart.

Cry out to Him. He is listening.

In the name of Jesus, our Gentle Savior and Merciful High Priest, Amen.

This is hymn 14 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 14: O What A Wonderful, Wonderful Day

1. O what a wonderful, wonderful day
Day I will never forget
After I’d wandered in darkness away
Jesus my Saviour I met
O what a tender, compassionate friend
He met the need of my heart
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
When at the cross my Saviour made me whole
My sins were washed away
And my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul

2. Born of the Spirit with life from above
Into God’s fam’ly divine
Justified fully thru Calvary’s love
O what a standing is mine
And the transaction so quickly was made
When as a sinner I came
Took of the offer of grace He did proffer
He saved me, O praise His dear name

3. Now l’ve hope that will surely endure
After the passing of time;
I have a future in Heaven for sure
There in those mansions sublime
And it’s because of that wonderful day
When at the cross I believed;
Riches eternal and blessings supernal
From His precious hand I received.

O What A Wonderful, Wonderful Day Hymn Commentary

Beloved in Christ, every believer has a story, a divine intersection where eternal destiny was altered by a glorious encounter. This hymn, “O What A Wonderful, Wonderful Day,” is the personal, joyful testimony of that moment. It is a song of remembrance, celebration, and proclamation, detailing the before, the miraculous during, and the glorious after of salvation. It reminds us that Christianity is not a philosophy but a supernatural event in a human life—the day heaven invaded our history.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to keep our personal salvation experience fresh and alive in our hearts. It combats spiritual amnesia, reignites our first love, and gives us a testimony to share. It is a song of vivid remembrance that fuels present gratitude and future hope.

1. It is a Hymn of Unforgettable Encounter and Immediate Transformation (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with an exclamation of awe over a specific day: “Day I will never forget.” This anchors salvation in a real moment in time. It describes the prior state: “I’d wandered in darkness away.” Then comes the divine confrontation: “Jesus my Saviour I met.” The result is not just theological agreement, but a relational revolution. He becomes a “tender, compassionate friend”who meets the deepest needs of the heart. The imagery is powerful: “Shadows dispelling… He made all the darkness depart.” This leads to the explosive chorus describing the cosmic transaction: “Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!” The locus of this event is “the cross,”where wholeness was purchased, sins were washed away, and “night was turned to day.”Salvation is portrayed as a glorious, heaven-sent invasion.

2. It is a Hymn of New Birth and New Standing (Verse 2)
This verse explains the spiritual mechanics of that wonderful day. It was a supernatural birth: “Born of the Spirit with life from above.” It was an adoption: “Into God’s fam’ly divine.” It was a legal declaration: “Justified fully thru Calvary’s love.” Our new “standing” before God is one of righteousness and belonging. The hymn emphasizes the simplicity and immediacy of grace: “the transaction so quickly was made.” No lengthy process, just a sinner coming and taking “the offer of grace He did proffer.” The response is pure praise: “He saved me, O praise His dear name!”

3. It is a Hymn of Enduring Hope and Eternal Inheritance (Verse 3)
The testimony looks forward from that foundational day. Because of that day, we now possess a hope that outlasts “the passing of time.” We have a guaranteed “future in Heaven for sure” in those “mansions sublime.” All of this—present hope and future glory—flows directly from “that wonderful day when at the cross I believed.” The benefits are not earthly or temporary, but “riches eternal and blessings supernal” (heavenly), received freely from “His precious hand.” The wonderful day inaugurates an everlasting inheritance.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Have you forgotten the wonder of your salvation? Has your faith become routine, losing the awe of that first encounter? This hymn calls you to remember. Recall your own “wonderful, wonderful day.” Remember the darkness before, the moment you met your compassionate Friend, and the flood of relief and joy when your sins were washed away.

If you have never had that day, this hymn is your invitation. The offer of grace is still proffered. You can come to the cross today, believe, and experience the transaction that makes you whole. Your night can turn to day.

For every believer, let this testimony be your song today. Proclaim it to your own heart and to a world in darkness. Because heaven came down for you, you have an unshakable hope and a glorious future. Never forget that wonderful day.

Praise His dear name!

In the name of Jesus, our compassionate Friend and Savior, Amen.

This is hymn 13 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 13: Jesus loves me! This I know,

1. Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.

Refrain:

Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

2. Jesus loves me! He who died,
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

3. Jesus loves me, loves me still
Tho’ I’m very weak and ill
From His shinning throne on high
He will watch me wwhere I lie.

4. Jesus Loves Me! He Will Stay
Close Beside Me All The Way;
If llove Him when I die.
He will take me home on high.

Jesus loves me! This I know Hymn Commentary

Beloved in Christ, in the great library of hymns, few are as simple, profound, and universally cherished as “Jesus Loves Me.” While often called a children’s hymn, it contains the foundational truth upon which the entire Christian faith is built. It is a hymn that brings the infinite, cosmic reality of God’s love into the personal, intimate space of the trusting heart, offering strength for the weak, cleansing for the sinner, comfort for the suffering, and hope for the dying.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to return to the first and most important truth of our faith. It quiets our fears, answers our doubts, and anchors our souls in the objective, written promise of God’s love. It is a confession of childlike faith that is mature in its simplicity and unshakeable in its foundation.

1. It is a Hymn of Objective Truth and Personal Assurance (Verse 1)
The opening line is both a shout of victory and a statement of fact: “Jesus loves me! This I know.”How do we know? Not because of a fleeting feeling, but because of a fixed authority: “For the Bible tells me so.” Our assurance rests on the unchanging Word of God. The verse then defines our relationship to this love: we are “little ones” who “belong” to Him. We acknowledge our inherent weakness, but we immediately contrast it with His perfect strength: “They are weak but He is strong.” Our security lies not in our strength, but in His.

2. It is a Hymn of Sacrificial Action and Open Access (Verse 2)
This love is defined by its cost and its purpose. It is the love of the one “who died.” His death had a mission: to open wide “Heaven’s gate” that was closed by sin. The personal application is clear: “He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in.” This is the Gospel in miniature—love enacted on the cross to cleanse and welcome us into God’s family (John 1:12). We come in not as dignitaries, but as welcomed children.

3. It is a Hymn of Unchanging Care in Our Frailty (Verse 3)
True love is proven in steadfastness. This verse assures us that His love is constant even when we are at our weakest and most vulnerable—“Tho’ I’m very weak and ill.” From His transcendent, holy place (“His shining throne on high”), He bends His gaze with tender care to watch over us “where I lie.” There is no depth of human suffering or frailty that places us outside the watchful, loving care of our Savior (Psalm 34:15).

4. It is a Hymn of Constant Companionship and Eternal Hope (Verse 4)
The love of Jesus is not just for the beginning of our journey, but for “all the way.” He promises to stay “close beside me.” This faithful companionship extends through the final frontier of death itself. The childlike faith declares, “If I love Him when I die, He will take me home on high.” Love for Him, sparked by His love for us, is the connecting thread that leads through death into eternal life. His love is the escort from our bedside to our heavenly home.

The Refrain: The Heart’s Repeated Affirmation
The repetitive, joyful refrain—“Yes, Jesus loves me!”—is the soul’s necessary rehearsal. We must tell ourselves this truth again and again. The final anchor, always, is the unchanging testimony: “The Bible tells me so.”

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Do you feel weak, small, or overwhelmed? You are precisely the “little one” to whom He belongs. His strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Are you burdened by sin or feeling far from God? Hear His call to His little child to come in. The gate is open, and the cleansing flood is ready.
Are you suffering, afraid, or facing the shadow of death? Look to the shining throne and know you are watched with love. He is close beside you, all the way home.

Whatever your age or stage, return to this bedrock truth today. Let it be the first thought in the morning and the last at night. Whisper it in prayer. Proclaim it against fear. For this is the truth that saves, sustains, and secures us: Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.

In the name of Jesus, who loves us and gave Himself for us, Amen.

This is hymn 35 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 35: ‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

1. ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

4. I’m so glad I learn’d to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend,
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in a world of shifting foundations and broken promises, the soul finds its one true refuge in a simple, profound act: trust. This hymn, “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” is a tender, personal testimony of the soul’s deepest discovery. It is not a hymn of thunderous triumph, but of quiet, personal assurance—the discovery that leaning wholly on Christ is the source of true sweetness, rest, and enduring gladness.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to celebrate the relational intimacy and soul-deep satisfaction found in placing our entire confidence in Christ. It is a song that combats anxiety, self-reliance, and doubt by focusing on the simple, proven faithfulness of Jesus. It encourages a childlike faith that finds profound peace in the promises of God.

1. It is a Hymn of Simple Faith and Proven Faithfulness (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with a declaration of spiritual sweetness found in simplicity: “Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise; Just to know, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’” Trust is presented not as a complex theological feat, but as a simple, personal reliance on the reliability of Christ’s character and speech. The singer then breaks into a spontaneous, worshipful refrain: “Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!” This trust is not blind; it is built on experiential proof: “How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!” The natural conclusion of such proof is a prayer for more: “O for grace to trust Him more!” Trust is both a gift of grace and a growing pursuit.

2. It is a Hymn of Cleansing and Complete Surrender (Verse 2)
Here, trust is directed toward the most fundamental need: cleansing. The sweetness is found not in trusting our own moral effort, but in trusting “His cleansing blood.” The imagery is vivid and total: “to plunge me ‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!” This is the trust that saves—a complete abandonment of self-justification and a total reliance on His atoning work. It is a once-for-all plunge into His grace that washes us whiter than snow.

3. It is a Hymn of Exchanged Life (Verse 3)
True trust leads to a blessed cessation. It is “sweet… Just from sin and self to cease.” Trust means stopping our own futile striving. In that place of surrender, we move from striving to receiving. We learn to simply take from Jesus what we cannot produce: “Life and rest, and joy and peace.” These are the fruits of trust, the gifts given to the soul that has ceased its own labors and leaned entirely on Him.

4. It is a Hymn of Learned Gladness and Enduring Companionship (Verse 4)
The final verse is a testimony of joyful education. “I’m so glad I learn’d to trust Thee.” Trust is a lesson learned in the school of life, and the result is gladness. This trust transforms our understanding of Christ: He is “Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend.” And this relational trust yields the ultimate security: “I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.” Trust in Jesus is not a one-time transaction; it is the foundation of a lifelong, and eternal, companionship (Hebrews 13:5).

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you striving today? Are you anxious, trying to solve problems in your own strength, or wrestling with guilt you cannot wash away? This hymn calls you to a sweet surrender.

Stop. Cease from sin and self. Take Him at His Word right now. Plunge anew into the truth of His cleansing blood. Choose to rest upon a specific promise from Scripture that speaks to your need.

Remember, you are not trusting an idea, but a Person—a proven, precious, faithful Friend. The more you prove Him, the sweeter the trust becomes. So, echo the prayer of this hymn today: “O for grace to trust Him more!” In that trusting, you will find the life, rest, joy, and peace your soul longs for.

In the name of our faithful and precious Jesus, Amen.

This is hymn 31 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 31: WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE

1. Wonderful story of love!
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love!
Wake the immortal strain.
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, O won’t you believe it?
Wonderful story of love!

Refrain:
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful story,
Wonderful story of love!

2. Wonderful story of love!
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love!
Still he doth call today.
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation;
Wonderful story of love!

3. Wonderful story of love!
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love!
For all the pure and blest;
Rest in those mansions above us,
With those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus;
Wonderful story of love!

WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, there is a story so profound, so beautiful, and so powerful that our souls can never hear it enough. This hymn, “Wonderful Story of Love,” is an anthem of fascination and invitation. It invites us to marvel at the greatest story ever told—the Gospel—and to respond to its call, whether we are hearing it for the first time or the thousandth. It is the story that angels marvel at and the only one that can truly give rest to the human soul.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to cultivate a heart of perpetual wonder at the Gospel, to keep the majestic truth of God’s love fresh in our minds, and to extend its universal call to every listening ear. It is a hymn of awe, evangelism, and eternal hope.

1. It is a Hymn of Insatiable Wonder and Urgent Invitation (Verse 1)
The hymn opens not with a statement, but with a plea: “Tell it to me again!” This reveals a heart that never tires of the core truth of the faith. It is the “immortal strain”—the eternal melody of redemption that never fades. The verse then captures the heavenly and earthly response to this story: “Angels with rapture announce it” (1 Peter 1:12) and “Shepherds with wonder receive it.”The greatest beings and the humblest alike are captivated. But the hymn does not linger on the past; it makes a direct, personal appeal to the present: “Sinner, O won’t you believe it?” The wonderful story demands a response.

2. It is a Hymn of Universal Call and Timeless Proclamation (Verse 2)
This verse powerfully declares that no one is beyond the reach of this love story. “Though you are far away… Still he doth call today.” The call is not confined to a moment in history; it echoes through time and space. It originates from the pivotal point of human history—“Calvary’s mountain”—where love was proved. It flows from the “crystal bright fountain” of grace and forgiveness opened by His sacrifice. Remarkably, it reaches back even “from the dawn of creation,”revealing that this plan of redeeming love was set in motion before the world began (Ephesians 1:4). It is a story that has always been and always will be.

3. It is a Hymn of Promised Rest and Eternal Chorus (Verse 3)
The wonderful story has a destination: “Jesus provides a rest.” This is the rest from the weariness of sin and striving, found only in Him (Matthew 11:28). It is a rest not just for the “pure and blest,”but for all made pure and blessed by His blood. This rest culminates in the “mansions above,” in the joyful reunion of the great cloud of witnesses, where we will join the unending, “rapturous chorus” of the redeemed. The story that begins with a call ends with a celestial song of praise.

The Refrain: The Heart’s Only Response
The exclamatory refrain—“Wonderful! Wonderful!”—is the only fitting reaction to such a story. It is a cascade of worship, a simple yet profound confession that the Gospel of love is the most wonderful reality in the universe.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Has the story become routine to you? Has the glorious truth of the Gospel lost its luster in the grind of daily life? This hymn is your antidote. Ask the Lord to tell it to you again. Wake up the immortal strain in your own heart. Let the Spirit rekindle your wonder at the love that called from Calvary to save you.

And if you are that one feeling “far away,” hear the call that still sounds today. It is calling for you. The fountain of grace is still flowing. Believe this wonderful story of love.

Let your life today be captivated by this story anew. And let your heart begin its rehearsal for the eternal chorus, singing with joy: Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful story of love!

In the name of Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our wonderful story, Amen.

This is hymn 30 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.

[Refrain]

3. Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we’ll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey.

[Refrain]

WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in our journey of faith, we often seek complex formulas for victory and peace. This beloved hymn, “When We Walk With The Lord,” cuts through all complexity and reveals the beautiful, simple, and powerful secret to a life filled with God’s glory, presence, and joy. It is a hymn that lays out the fundamental rhythm of the Christian life: a walk of trusting faith that results in loving obedience.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to remind ourselves of the inseparable link between faith and action, and the blessedness that flows from aligning our will with God’s. It is a call to practical, daily discipleship that leads to deep, soul-satisfying happiness.

1. It is a Hymn of Illuminated Fellowship (Verse 1)
The hymn begins by painting a picture of intimate companionship: “When we walk with the Lord.”This is not a distant following, but a side-by-side journey. The condition for this fellowship is walking “in the light of his word.” God’s Word is the lamp that illuminates our path (Psalm 119:105), and as we walk in its truth, He “sheds glory on our way.” The promise is profound: as we actively engage in “his good will,” we experience His abiding presence. Faith and obedience are not sequential; they are two sides of the same coin. We trust Him enough to obey, and in obeying, we find Him faithful, which deepens our trust.

2. It is a Hymn of Proven Delight (Verse 2)
This verse introduces a crucial spiritual principle: some of the deepest joys of God’s love are experiential and can only be known through surrendered obedience. “We never can prove the delights of his love until all on the altar we lay.” The “favor” and “joy” He promises are reserved for those who move beyond mere intellectual assent to a place of full surrender. It is in the act of laying down our rights, our plans, and our treasures that we discover the far greater treasure of His delightful presence. The blessing is found on the other side of surrender.

3. It is a Hymn of Intimate Companionship (Verse 3)
The result of this life of trust and obedience is a relationship of beautiful intimacy. We are promised “fellowship sweet,” where we can either rest contently “at his feet” like Mary, listening and learning, or actively “walk by his side” like the disciples on the Emmaus road. This intimacy breeds a heart that says, “what he says we will do, where he sends we will go.” This is not a burden but a loving response. And the final encouragement is for the fearful heart: “never fear, only trust and obey.”

The Refrain: The Unchanging Principle
The timeless refrain is the cornerstone of the hymn: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” This is not a restrictive rule, but a liberating truth. Happiness (or blessedness) in Christ is not found in perfect circumstances, accumulated wealth, or worldly success. It is found in the secure, dependent, and obedient relationship with our Saviour.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you searching for happiness and purpose today? Does your path seem dark or uncertain? The Lord is inviting you into a simple, yet profound, exchange.

Bring your fears, your plans, and your will to the altar. Choose to walk in the light of His Word, even when you don’t understand the full path. Make the decision to do what He has already clearly said in Scripture. As you take that step of obedience, you will prove His delights for yourself. You will find Him walking beside you, shedding glory on your way.

The Christian life is not a mystery to be solved, but a Person to be trusted and a will to be surrendered. Choose today to walk in the simple, powerful, and happy way of trust and obey.

In the faithful name of Jesus, Amen.

This is hymn 29 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 29: WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER ATTENDETH MY WAY

1. When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

(may be sung after final stanza only):
It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet,
though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.

Refrain

3. My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

4. O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
even so, it is well with my soul. Refrain

WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER ATTENDETH MY WAY HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this profound hymn, “When Peace Like a River,” is more than a song—it is the testimony of a soul that has found an anchor deeper than any storm. Born from immense personal tragedy, it does not deny the reality of sorrow but declares a peace that triumphs over it. This hymn teaches us that the wellness of our soul is not determined by our circumstances, but by the finished work of Christ and the blessed hope of His return.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to proclaim a supernatural, sovereign peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7). It equips us to face life’s greatest trials and losses with a faith that can say, even through tears, “It is well with my soul.” It is a hymn of defiance against despair and a declaration of ultimate victory.

1. It is a Hymn of Contrast and Learned Contentment (Verse 1)
The opening paints two contrasting scenes: the serene “peace like a river” and the tumultuous “sorrows like sea billows.” Life holds both. The key is not in avoiding the storms, but in what we have been “taught” to say within them. The ability to declare “It is well with my soul” in “whatever my lot” is a learned response of faith. It signifies that the core of our being—our soul anchored in God—remains in a state of grace and security, regardless of the chaos that may surround it.

2. It is a Hymn of Blessed Assurance in Spiritual Attack (Verse 2)
When external trials come and the enemy buffets, our control is not mustered willpower, but a “blest assurance.” That assurance rests on two historical facts: that “Christ has regarded my helpless estate” (He saw my lost condition) and that He acted by shedding “his own blood for my soul.” The storm of Satan’s accusations is calmed by the blood of the cross. Our soul’s wellness is purchased, not earned.

3. It is a Hymn of Finished Transaction and Emancipated Joy (Verse 3)
This verse contains one of the most liberating declarations in all of hymnody. The “bliss” is found in a completed transaction: “my sin… not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more.” The debt is canceled, the record is destroyed (Colossians 2:14). The soul’s wellness rests on this objective truth: sin’s power to condemn has been broken. Therefore, the command is logical and joyful: “praise the Lord, O my soul!” Praise is the natural outflow of a pardoned heart.

4. It is a Hymn of Blessed Hope and Eschatological Confidence (Verse 4)
The hymn lifts our gaze from our present trials, however deep, to the certain future. It longs for the day when “faith shall be sight,” when Christ returns and every wrong is made right. The promise of His second coming—the “trump” and the Lord’s descent—is the final guarantee that makes our present “wellness” unshakeable. Even in longing, even in suffering, the promise of that day allows us to say, “even so, it is well with my soul.” Our hope is not a wish, but a certainty.

The Refrain: The Soul’s Settled State
The repeated refrain, “It is well with my soul,” is not a denial of pain, but a confession of a deeper reality. It is the soul’s testimony of its standing in Christ—forgiven, sealed, and kept. To sing it is to preach to one’s own heart, affirming the peace of God that holds us fast.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you in a season of peaceful rivers or rolling billows? Has a trial, a loss, or a temptation made your soul feel anything but “well”?

This hymn invites you to look away from the storm and look to the cross. See your sin nailed there. See the blood shed for you. Let that blessed assurance be your control. Then, lift your eyes to the coming King. Let that sure hope steady your heart.

Your feelings may waver, but the wellness of your soul, secured by Christ’s blood and guaranteed by His return, does not. By faith, declare it today, even if it’s a whisper: “It is well. It is well with my soul.” In that declaration, you will find the peace that truly does pass all understanding.

In the name of Jesus, our Peace and our Blessed Hope, Amen.