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This is hymn 12 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 12: ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

1. Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle, see his banner go!

Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!

2. At the name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise!

3. Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided; all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

4. Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the church Jesus
constant will remain:
Gates of hell can never
‘gainst that church prevail
We have Christ’s own promise
and that cannot fail

5. Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices,
in the triumph song;
Glory, praise and honour,
unto Christ the King;
This through countless ages,
men and angels sing.

ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in the Lord, as we open our hearts to this stirring anthem, “Onward Christian Soldiers,” we are reminded that the Christian life is not a passive picnic, but an active campaign. We are not called to be casual spectators but committed soldiers in the Lord’s army. This hymn is a powerful call to remember our identity, our mission, and our certain victory in Christ Jesus.

Why We Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to stir our spirits, to align our perspective with the spiritual reality of our calling, and to march forward in unity and faith.

1. It is a Hymn of Spiritual Warfare and Divine Leadership (Verse 1)
The opening line, “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,” immediately sets the tone. We are in a spiritual battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 6:12). But we do not march in fear or in our own strength. Our great comfort is that “the cross of Jesus [goes] on before!” The cross is our standard, our symbol of victory and our source of hope. Christ Himself is our “royal Master,” who leads us against the foe. We are not following an abstract ideal, but a conquering King.

2. It is a Hymn of Certain Victory (Verse 2)
This verse fills us with triumphant faith. We are not marching towards a potential victory, but “on to victory!” Why? Because “at the name of Jesus Satan’s host doth flee” (Philippians 2:10). Our primary weapon in this battle is often the “shout of praise.” When we lift our voices in worship, we proclaim God’s supremacy and watch as “hell’s foundations quiver.” Our praise is an act of spiritual warfare that confounds the enemy and strengthens our own hearts.

3. It is a Hymn of Glorious Unity (Verse 3)
The Church is not a scattered collection of individuals, but “like a mighty army.” We are connected to all believers across time and space—”treading where the saints have trod.” This verse presents a vision of the Church as God intends it: “not divided; all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.” In a world that seeks to divide, our unity in Christ is a testament to His power and love.

4. It is a Hymn of Unshakable Promise (Verse 4)
While earthly powers and kingdoms are temporary and fragile, “the church of Jesus constant will remain.” This is our eternal security. We stand on the promise of Christ Himself that “the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). No political shift, no cultural trend, no demonic scheme can prevail against the Church built upon the Rock. This truth allows us to march with confidence, regardless of what we see in the news or feel in our circumstances.

5. It is a Hymn of Triumphant Invitation (Verse 5)
The final verse is an evangelistic call. We are not a closed club, but a “happy throng” inviting others to “join our happy throng” and “blend with ours your voices.” Our march culminates in an eternal song of “Glory, praise and honour, unto Christ the King.” The battle ends in a coronation ceremony that will last for “countless ages.”

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Dear soldier of Jesus Christ, perhaps you have felt weary from the battles of life. You may have felt the enemy’s arrows of doubt, fear, or discouragement. Today, let this hymn be your rallying cry. Stand up, straighten your armor (Ephesians 6:10-18), and fix your eyes on the cross going before you.

You are not fighting for victory; you are fighting from a place of victory already secured by your Royal Master. Lift your voice in praise, for it shakes the very foundations of hell. Lock arms with your fellow believers, for we are stronger together. And march on, with the unshakable promise that the Church of Jesus Christ will endure, and you with it, into eternal glory.

Onward, then, Christian soldier! Your King is leading you. Victory is assured.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

This is hymn 32 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Hymn 32: TO THE WORK! TO THE WORK! WE ARE SERVANTS OF GOD

1. To the work! to the work!
we are servants of God,
Let us follow the path that our
Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel
our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what
our hands find to do.
Toiling on, toiling on,
Toiling on, toiling on,
Let us hope, let us watch,
And labour till the Master comes.

2. To the work! to the work!
let the hungry be fed,
To the fountain of life let
the weary be led!
In the cross and its banner
our glory shall be,
While we herald the tidings,
“Salvation is free!”

3. To the work! to the work!
there is labour for all, For the kingdom of darkness
and error shall fall;
And the name of Jehovah exalted shall be,
In the loud-swelling chorus,
“Salvation is free!”

4. To the work! to the work!
in the strength of the Lord,
And a robe and a crown shall
our labour reward,
When the home of the faithful
our dwelling shall be,
And we shout with the ransomed,
“Salvation is free!”

TO THE WORK! TO THE WORK! WE ARE SERVANTS OF GOD HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, as we meditate on this energetic hymn, “To The Work!”, we are not simply singing; we are receiving a divine summons. This is a battle cry and a marching order for every believer, reminding us that our faith is not passive. We are saved to serve, and this hymn ignites a holy urgency to labor for the Kingdom until our Master returns.

Why We Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to shake off spiritual slumber and to align our hearts with God’s mission. It is a potent antidote to complacency, a reminder that the field is the world, and the harvest is plentiful.

1. It is a Hymn of Identity and Purpose (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with a powerful declaration of our identity: “we are servants of God.” In a world that chases after titles and status, we are called to the noble purpose of servanthood. Our model is Christ Himself, who “followed the path that our Master has trod” (John 13:15). We do not serve in our own strength but are renewed by “the balm of His counsel”—the wisdom and comfort of the Holy Spirit. The refrain, “Let us do with our might what our hands find to do,” is a call to immediate, wholehearted action (Ecclesiastes 9:10). We are to be a people “Toiling on… and [laboring] till the Master comes.”

2. It is a Hymn of Compassionate Mission (Verse 2)
True service is directed outward. “Let the hungry be fed” speaks to both physical and spiritual hunger. “Let the weary be led” to the “fountain of life” is our call to guide a thirsty world to Jesus, the only source of living water (John 4:14). Our motivation is not personal glory but the glory of the cross. As we herald the tidings that “Salvation is free!” we participate in the Great Commission, sharing the best news the world will ever hear.

3. It is a Hymn of Victorious Warfare (Verse 3)
This verse expands our vision. The “work” is not just individual acts of kindness but a collective spiritual campaign against the “kingdom of darkness and error.” We labor with the unshakable confidence that this kingdom “shall fall!” Our labor in prayer, evangelism, and discipleship is part of a victorious battle already won by Christ. The ultimate goal is that “the name of Jehovah exalted shall be” in that final, triumphant chorus.

4. It is a Hymn of Sure Reward (Verse 4)
We do not labor in vain. We serve “in the strength of the Lord,” acknowledging that without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But we also look forward with hope to the “robe and a crown” that our faithful Lord has promised to all who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). The “home of the faithful”—Heaven itself—is our eternal reward, making every earthly effort worthwhile.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Dear saint, perhaps you have felt weary in well-doing. Maybe the tasks before you seem mundane or the spiritual opposition feels strong. Let this hymn recharge your spirit today! See yourself not as a bystander but as a commissioned servant in the army of the Lord.

What “work” has your hand found to do? It may be in your home, your workplace, or your local church. It may be a word of encouragement, an act of service, or a bold proclamation of the gospel. Do it with all your might, fueled by the strength of the Lord.

Remember, the fields are white unto harvest. There is “labour for all.” No talent is too small, no act of service insignificant when done for the King. Let us go out today with this song on our lips and this mission in our hearts, toiling, watching, and laboring with joy, for our Master is coming soon!

May the Lord fill you with fresh strength and holy zeal for His work today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This is hymn 33 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 33: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH!

1. Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah!
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven! Bread of heaven!
Feed me now and evermore (2ce)

2. Open Thou the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow:
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer! strong deliverer!
Be Thou still my strength and shield (2ce)

3. If I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside:
Bear me through the swelling torrent,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side:
Songs of praises! songs of praises!
I will ever give to Thee (2ce)

4. Saviour, come! We long to see Thee,
Long to dwell with Thee above;
And to know in full communion,
All the sweetness of Thy love.
Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus!
Take Thy waiting people home (2ce)

GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH! HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, as we turn our hearts to this timeless hymn, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” we are not merely singing a song; we are praying a powerful, scriptural prayer and affirming our identity as pilgrims on a sacred journey. This hymn, rich with biblical imagery, speaks directly to the soul of every believer who has ever felt weak, lost, or longing for home.

Why We Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn because it perfectly encapsulates the Christian life. It acknowledges our present reality—a “barren land” of trials, temptations, and spiritual dryness—while fixing our eyes on the faithfulness of our God who guides, provides, and delivers.

1. It is a Hymn of Dependence (Verse 1)
The opening line, “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah!” is a humble admission that we cannot navigate life on our own. We confess, “I am weak, but Thou art mighty.” In a world that prizes self-sufficiency, this hymn calls us to the beautiful, counter-cultural truth of our faith: our strength is found in our dependence on Christ. The cry for “Bread of heaven” is a plea for daily spiritual sustenance, for the manna of God’s Word and the presence of Jesus Himself (John 6:35), to feed us now and evermore.

2. It is a Hymn of Divine Guidance (Verse 2)
The “crystal fountain” points to the cleansing and refreshing flow of the Holy Spirit and the salvation we have in Christ (Revelation 22:1). The “fiery, cloudy pillar” recalls God’s unerring guidance of the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). We sing this because our journey is often through unknown and treacherous terrain. We need a “strong deliverer” who is both our strength to empower us and our shield to protect us from the enemy’s attacks. We are declaring that we want God’s presence to “lead me all my journey through,” not just in the easy times.

3. It is a Hymn of Triumphant Hope (Verse 3)
“Jordan” in scripture often represents the final crossing from this life into eternity—the river of death. This verse gives us language for our moments of deepest “anxious fears.” It is a prayer for peace in the face of mortality, trusting that the same God who guided us in life will “bear me through the swelling torrent” and “land me safe on Canaan’s side”—the Promised Land of Heaven. The natural response to such a deliverance is unending “songs of praises!” This verse transforms our fear into faith and our dread into doxology.

4. It is a Hymn of Eager Expectation (Verse 4)
The hymn culminates in the glorious, Maranatha cry of the Church: “Come, Lord Jesus!” This is the ultimate hope of the Christian. Our journey as pilgrims has a destination: to be with our Saviour. We sing this to stir our hearts, to rekindle our first love, and to express our holy longing to “dwell with Thee above” and experience the “sweetness of Thy love” in full, unbroken communion. It is a prayer for the culmination of all things, when God will indeed “take Thy waiting people home.”

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Dear reader, perhaps you feel the barrenness of your current situation. You may be weary, feeling your weakness, and the journey seems long. Let this hymn be your prayer. Cry out to the Great Jehovah, your Shepherd. He knows the way through the wilderness. He will open fountains of grace in the most desolate places. When you face your own Jordan—be it sickness, grief, or uncertainty—sing this hymn with faith. He who guided you will also bear you through the current and bring you safely to the other side.

Sing this hymn not as a mournful plea, but as a declaration of faith. You are not a wanderer; you are a pilgrim with a divine Guide. You are not abandoned; you are fed by the Bread of Heaven. You are not alone; you are led by the Pillar of God’s presence. So, lift your voice! Sing with hope, for your Deliverer is strong, your destination is sure, and your Saviour is coming soon.

May the Lord open our heavens today as we place our trust in His mighty hand In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: Open Heavens Devotional