Nevertheless
The words of Jesus Christ remind us of the inherent power abiding in the Word of God when he declared, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63) Without question the Word of God is energetic and life-giving, as revealed in Hebrews 4:12:
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Each word in the Word of Life is an expression of power. Luke 1:37 in the King James Version says, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” The American Standard Version offers this translation: “For no word from God shall be void of power.” Indeed, there is life-changing power in a single word from the Word, as the Poet notes:
. . . the power
of the printed word,
the power of a single light,
like a cloven tongue of fire,
to shatter the darkest night.
Earlier this year I heard a powerful life-altering message from Pastor Michael Bivens, whose teaching focused on a single word: “Nevertheless.” After reviewing my notes, I was inspired to write a poem with that title which opens with 2 Timothy 1:12 where the word is used.
Nevertheless
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep
that which I have committed unto him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12
Nevertheless, I will remember and never forget
Each one of all Your benefits, every need You have met.
Here I stand blameless but never in my own righteousness.
Surrounded by Your abiding faithfulness and goodness,
I strive to live life in all its fullness with no regret.
When the accuser confronts with each verbal assault and threat
To portray me as discontented, distressed and in debt,
By faith in the power of a single word I confess:
Nevertheless.
In the midst of trials, I will not worry; I will not fret,
Despite wicked schemes designed to make me brew, stew and sweat.
To those who conspire against me to lead me into darkness
I say, God has never forgotten me. This truth I express:
God is not a man; He cannot lie–He will be with me yet. . .
Nevertheless.
2 Timothy 1:12 is the verse that inspired the traditional hymn “I Know Whom I Have Believed.” Podcast.com provides the following information regarding the history of this treasured hymn:
Daniel Webster Whittle and James McGranahan, author and composer of this hymn, supplied many other choice gospel songs, including “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing,” “The Banner of the Cross,” and “Christ Liveth in Me.” Whittle was a Civil War veteran who accompanied Union general William Sherman on his march through Georgia. At the close of the war Whittle was promoted to the rank of major and was thereafter known as Major Whittle. After the war he returned to Chicago, where he became treasurer of the Elgin Watch Company. In 1873, at the urging of D. L. Moody, the major left his successful position to become an evangelist. He enjoyed a most effective ministry for the rest of his life. He was ably assisted musically by P.P. Bliss and later James McGranahan. Many of Whittle’s hymns bear the pseudonym “El Nathan.” The piece “I Know Whom I Have Believed” is known by that name.
This is a lovely hymn that reminds us of our confidence in Christ. Indeed, it is the Lord Jesus Christ who has loved us, redeemed us, and keeps us safe till the end. Amen.
Here is a rendition of the familiar hymn from the Joslin Grove Choral Society.
The word “nevertheless” also brings to mind another musical selection that includes the same word. Bishop T.D. Jakes and Mass Choir of the Potter’s House offer a stirring reminder that “This Test is Your Storm.” The final refrain reinforces the message of this blog post: “Nevertheless, it’s only a test.”
Dr. J's Apothecary Shoppe 
March 26, 2012 at 8:13 am |
Reblogged this on Dr. J's Apothecary Shoppe and commented:
This past Sunday during the morning message by Apostle Eric L. Warren at Equip U Ministries in Columbus, Ohio, the word “nevertheless” was used, and it brought to mind this blog with the same word as its title. I also happened to think of another musical selection which includes the same word. Bishop T.D. Jakes and Mass Choir of the Potter’s House offer a stirring reminder that “This Test is Your Storm.” The selection is added , as the final refrain reinforces the message of this blog post: “Nevertheless, it’s only a test.”