Tidbits for Thought

VICTORY FOREVER

John 16:33 “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” O victory in Jesus My Savior forever He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him He plunged me to victory Beneath the cleansing flood Most everyone will recognize the above words as the chorus in the beloved hymn,

“Victory in Jesus,” by Eugene Monroe Bartlett, better known as E.M. Bartlett. He wrote the song in 1939 while recovering from a stroke and it would prove to be the last gift that he left the Christian community, as he died in 1941. The hymn itself is a timeless message of hope and assurance, emphasizing the victory of believers through the blood of Jesus. I have always admired and marveled at the pure genius it takes to set words to music in such a way that the message comes across clearly and profoundly.…. truly a God given gift. With just a few well-chosen words Bartlett captured the very essence of Christianity……the blood of Christ is what saves and redeems us and the shedding of that blood represents the highest expression of perfect love the Godhead could ever offer. It is a living testament to God's willingness to do whatever it took to make possible an eternal relationship with us. Living victoriously in Christ gives Christians the assurance to live with boldness and hope in all situations. Living victoriously in Christ empowers Christians to stretch out a hand of love and forgiveness to all we meet on a given day. Living victoriously in Christ gives purpose and meaning to Christians that transcends the challenges that an ugly world can throw at us each and every day. Living victoriously in Christ means that I acknowledge the Spirit of Christ within me and willingly listen to the voice of my Lord that helps guide and protect me. Living victoriously in Christ embodies glorifying God in all situations and life-style choices. Living victoriously in Christ paints a picture that can be irresistible to those who are seeking meaning in their own lives. When we are living a victorious Christ driven life that is visible to the world around us, we are a walking invitation that shouts, “The love of God and the blood of Christ saved me and gave me new life. There are millions upon millions of others just like me and we ask you to join us as we walk through this life hand in hand with Jesus” Think about it!      ~ Aron Smith