Bishop’s Note: April 07, 2016 - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Bishop Eric Menees

In 1922, Helen H. Lemmel wrote the wonderful hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Helen wrote this hymn to be sung at the Billy Sunday Missionary Meetings – what we would call today Revival Meetings. Helen knew great hardship, and in the middle of it she wrote this hymn - based on Hebrews 12:2 - as a reminder to herself and others that no matter how hard the path we need to keep our eyes focused firmly on Jesus. This hymn has been a source of inspiration to me since my youth and a constant reminder that Jesus is in charge!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain

In this Easter Season and always, let us indeed, “...go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!”

God bless you all!

Catechism Questions: 269 - 271

269. Can you worship God perfectly? 
No. Only our Lord Jesus Christ worshiped God perfectly. He leads the Church today to seek to do the same. (Matthew 4:1-11; 26:36-46; Revelation 4-5)

270. Why are you tempted to worship other gods? 
I am tempted because my sinful heart is still drawn to false gods and their appeal for my allegiance. (Ephesians 5:1-21; James 4:1-10; 1 John 1:8-10; 5:20-21)

271. How are you tempted to worship other gods?
I am tempted to trust in myself, possessions, relationships, and success, believing that they will give me happiness, security, and meaning. I am also tempted to believe superstitions and false religious claims, and to reject God’s call to worship him alone. (Psalm 73:1-17; Romans 1:18-32)