Just What Is A Torreya? 1/13/18

Torreya State Park, Bristol, Florida

I’ve had this wonderful hymn stuck in my head for several weeks now. “Before the Throne of God Above” – is actually a poem written in the 1860’s by Charitie Lees Bancroft who originally titled it “Advocate”. It’s been set to various hymn tunes over time (like “Sweet Hour of Prayer”), but the tune we currently know was written specifically for it in 1997 by Vikki Cook. I tried singing it to “Sweet Hour…”, but it has nowhere near the same impact! Amazing how different a song can be when the right words are paired with the right melody! Too bad it took 130 years!

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea;
A great High Priest, whose Name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart;
I know that while with God He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb!
My perfect, spotless Righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace.

One with Himself, I cannot die;
My soul is purchased by His blood;
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God.

Thank You, Father for the great and wonderful gift of music to speak from our heart to Yours and for giving some the special gift of expression that others of us can’t conjure up. Thank You that You use it to inspire, touch and teach Your people!

I spent all day on the blog today. I’m always surprised how long it takes sometimes! Blaine got out for a 2 mile walk today. I walked to the bathroom and back . . . once, I think. . .

How am I supposed to keep track of mileage that way? I think I’ll just use whomever has the most. 😊

Here’s what he discovered on his walk: