"Daughters Arise Ministries"

  Far Away From God Key Text “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion.” Luke 15:20 (KJV) Have you ever felt as though you have wandered far away from God? Sometimes I have felt so far from Him that I struggled to feel His presence. I know that God is there, yet there are moments when He seems distant. Sometimes it is because of choices I have made. At other times, the pressures, disappointments and distractions of life have caused me to drift without even realising how far I have wandered. The hymn  “Far Away From God”  speaks to those moments. Its message is a simple but powerful invitation to the wandering heart:  come home . It reminds me of the prodigal son. Jesus tells the story of a young man who chose to leave his father's home. He took his inheritance and travelled into a far country. There, he wasted what he had until eventually he found himself with nothing. Hungry, broken and despera...

The Love of God Key Text :  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8 (KJV) One thing I have learnt about human love is that sometimes it does not last. Sometimes it is not forever. Sometimes it is given because of who we are, what we have done, how we make someone feel or what we have to offer. At times, love can change when circumstances change. But the love of Jesus is different. His love is constant. It is not determined by who I am related to, what I possess, what I have accomplished or what I have to give. His love is not simply because of. It is even though. Even though I have made mistakes, He loves me. Even though I have fallen short, He loves me. Even though there are parts of my story I wish I could rewrite, He loves me. Even though I do not always get it right, He still loves me. The hymn “The Love of God” expresses something that can be difficult for the human mind to compr...

’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus Key Text: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5, KJV Hymn: ’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus Words: Louisa M. R. Stead Music: William J. Kirkpatrick Those of you who have been following my journey know that I have had a challenging past. Some of the experiences of my childhood shaped the way I learned to see people, relationships and trust. Children who experience adversity sometimes find it difficult to trust later in life. They may struggle with assurance, vulnerability and believing that people will remain present and dependable. When the people or circumstances that should have provided safety become sources of pain, disappointment or uncertainty, we can learn to protect ourselves by becoming cautious. Even as adults, those lessons can remain with us. We may expect disappointment before it comes. We may hesitate to become vulnerable. We may question whether promises will be kept because exp...

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour Key Text : "And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me."  Luke 18:38 (KJV) Sharon Campbell-Danvers  Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church  There are moments in life when our prayers are long and carefully expressed, and then there are moments when all we can do is cry out, "Lord, have mercy on me." "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour" was written by Fanny J. Crosby in 1868 , with music by William H. Doane . It became one of Crosby's first hymns to receive worldwide recognition. There are two accounts connected with the origin of this beloved hymn. In Fanny Crosby's own account, she tells us that William H. Doane, who would become one of her dear friends and musical collaborators, gave her the subject, "Pass me not, O gentle Saviour." Crosby took that simple thought and turned it into a heartfelt prayer that has touched generations. There is also another account that has been shared through the...

When We All Get to Heaven Key Text:  "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3 (KJV) Sharon Another hymn that is very dear to me is "When We All Get to Heaven." The words were written by Eliza E. Hewitt in 1898 , with music composed by Emily D. Wilson . There is something about this hymn that fills my heart with hope. It reminds me that no matter how difficult the journey becomes, this life is not the end of our story. There is something greater awaiting those who love and faithfully follow Jesus. Life has a way of making us weary. There are seasons when we pray and wait, yet the answer does not seem to come. There are times when we give our best and still experience disappointment. We may face sickness, grief, rejection, financial difficulties, broken relationships and circumstances we simply do not understand. Sometimes the journey feels long. But then I remember tha...

Holy Sabbath Day of Rest Key Text:  "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."  Exodus 20:8 (KJV) Sharon There are some truths we learn because someone teaches them to us, and there are others that God seems to place before us again and again until we stop, listen and understand. For me, the Sabbath became one of those truths. Approximately thirty years ago, while I was still in high school, a friend told me about the Sabbath and invited me to church with her. At the time, I had no real knowledge or understanding of the Sabbath. Saturday was simply another busy day. It was the day we washed, cleaned, went shopping and took care of the many things that needed to be done. Nevertheless, I accepted my friend's invitation and went to church with her. I did not realise then that this invitation would become part of a much greater spiritual journey. Sometime afterwards, I came across an old book in my aunt's bathroom. Once again, the subject of the Sabbath was before me. I...

Sharon Campbell-Danvers  A Child of the King Key Text "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." Romans 8:16–17 (KJV) There are some hymns that remind us not only of God's promises but also of who we are in Him. One of my favourite hymns is "A Child of the King," written by Harriet E. Buell in 1877, with music by John B. Sumner . Being told that I am a child of the King has such powerful meaning for me. When I was growing up, I never knew my father during my early years. I never knew what it felt like to have someone call me "daughter." There were times when I lacked proper housing. I worried about tomorrow and often wondered what my future would hold. In those moments, I cried out to God and asked Him to help me so that life for my generation would be much better. Then I came to know my Heavenly Father. When I accepted Jesus Christ, eve...

Sis. Corrie Chambers  Women's Ministries Director Cayman Islands Conference  Blessed Assurance Key Text Hebrews 10:22–23 (NKJV) "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith… Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hymn "Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine" "Blessed Assurance" has deeply blessed my life because it speaks of a personal relationship with God. The words, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine," remind me of the confidence we have as sinners saved by grace. There is great comfort in knowing that Jesus is mine and I am His. This hymn also reminds me that, even in our imperfection, we can still praise God and rejoice in His salvation. We do not need to be perfect to receive His love. His grace meets us where we are and gives us hope, joy, and a reason to worship. The third verse is especially meaningful: Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and...

Sharon Campbell-Danvers  Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary Key Text "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) Some hymns have a way of speaking directly to the deepest needs of the human heart. "Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary," written and composed by John M. Moore in 1952 , is one such hymn. You will agree with me that days can be filled with hurt, pain, failure and disappointment. There are seasons when life feels overwhelming. There are times when it is difficult to get out of bed and face another day. The weight of grief, financial pressures, family struggles, illness or unanswered prayers can leave us feeling exhausted and discouraged. The Apostle Paul understood that life was not always easy. He wrote, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable" (1 Corinthians 15:19). Our hope is not limited to this present life. It is anchored in the risen Christ, who has overcome sin, death and the g...

"Until Then" Key Text "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 2 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV) Sharon Campbell-Danvers  There are some hymns we enjoy singing, and then there are those that become companions for life's journey. For me, "Until Then" is one of those hymns. One of my favourite hymns is "Until Then," written and composed by Stuart Hamblen in 1958 . Through the years, this hymn has become much more than a beautiful melody to me. It has been a source of hope, comfort and strength during some of the darkest moments of my life. As a child growing up, life was difficult and challenging for me. There were seasons when I questioned my purpose and even wondered why I existed. I struggled with disappointments, uncertainty and burdens that seemed far too heavy for someone so young. As I grew older, I expected life to become easier. Instead, many of my challenges seeme...

"Farther Along" Key Text "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV) Sharon Campbell-Danvers  There are some hymns that become associated with particular occasions. For many of us in the Caribbean, "Farther Along" is one of those hymns. Growing up, I usually heard it being sung only at funerals. Its familiar words often echoed through church buildings as families gathered to say farewell to loved ones. As I sat through one such service, I found myself reflecting on the words of the hymn. As I listened carefully, I came to the conclusion that this hymn deserves to be sung not only at funerals, but throughout our Christian journey. Its message is not just for those who are grieving. It is for every believer who has ever wrestled with life's unanswered questions. The hymn, widely attributed to Rev. W. B. Stevens, expresses what many of us hav...